WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS BUILDING
10 MILLION SQUARE FEET
LEADER IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY
AND SUSTAINABILITY
21ST CENTURY INFRASTRUCTURE
876 EMPLOYEES
2 0 1 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T
1400 BROADWAY
ONE GRAND CENTRAL PLACE
FIRST STAMFORD PLACE MERRITTVIEW
501 SEVENTH AVENUE 10 UNION SQUARE EAST
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
1010 THIRD AVENUE 77 WEST 55TH STREET 1542 THIRD AVENUE
112 WEST 34TH STREET
111 WEST 33RD STREET
1333 BROADWAY 1350 BROADWAY 1359 BROADWAY
103-107 MAIN STREET 69-97 MAIN STREET
250 WEST 57TH STREET
METRO CENTER 500 MAMARONECK AVENUE
10 BANK STREET
1
3
5
6
2
4
7
Performance for Today. Perspective for Tomorrow.
8
9
SUSTAINABILITY MATRIX
10
11
Empire
State
Building
One Grand
Central
Place
1400
Broadway
111 West
33rd Street
250 West
57th Street
Whole Building Energy Retrofit Analysis
(Replicate ESB Model)
Whole Building Energy Retrofit
Implementation
Low-e window retrofit
High Performance Tenant Installation
Required per Lease
Submetering of All New Tenant Spaces
Utilities Billed by Submetering (as installed)
Building Management System (BMS) Status
(I) BMS in place
(II) No BMS in place
(III) Partial BMS in place
Energy Star Certification
Waste Management/Recycling
(I) Construction Debris
(II) Tenant Waste
(III) Separate Electronic Recycling
(IV) Single Stream Recycling
Green Cleaning Products and Practices
Green Pest Management Products
and Practices
Demand Response/Peak Load Shaving
Sustainability Committee
Annual & Long Term Sustainability Targets
Leadership & Sharing
No central HVAC No central HVAC
Hybrid/package
HVAC
To Our Fellow Stockholders:
It is our pleasure to present Empire State Realty Trust’s 2015 annual report.
In our second full year as a public company, we continued to deliver on our
goals and promises. Our team, augmented by our President and COO John B.
Kessler who joined us in February 2015, is talented and committed. We used
our strengthening and increasingly flexible balance sheet to generate growth
and create value through our existing portfolio’s redevelopment, and we also
assessed opportunities to grow through acquisitions.
Redevelopment and Leasing Success Continue
We completed 245 lease agreements totaling 1.2 million square feet, a 54%
increase over 2014’s pace. We signed expansion or new office leases with
LinkedIn, Workday, Media General Digital, HNTB, OnDeck, and Coyne PR,
among others, and new and renewal retail leases with Sephora and Footlocker
at 112 West 34th Street.
We believe our strong leasing results have outpaced the market, driven by our
continued redevelopment success and the market’s elevation of our modern,
full floor and pre-built office spaces and the positive reception of our upgraded
buildings by current and prospective tenants. When we redevelop space, we
consolidate previously demised, smaller unimproved spaces through planned
co-termination of leases, gut the floor down to the columns and walls, and
upgrade all building systems. We then offer that clean floor as a full floor
availability or build it with energy efficient, ready-to-move-in suites. In 2015,
building on the new residential and retail developments on West 57th Street,
we began the transformation of 250 West 57th Street from multi-tenant floors
to primarily full floor tenancy floors and were pleased to sign COOKFOX
Architects as our first full floor user.
The proof of the success of our strategy can be found in our above-market
leasing spreads, with starting cash rents per square foot for new leases in our
Manhattan office portfolio 54% above the previous fully escalated cash rent.
In 2015, we redeveloped approximately 390,000 square feet of space. We
believe 2016 offers significant, embedded “derisked” growth with eight full
floors ready to offer as redeveloped space for lease. We see upside in cash
flow and value, as we continue to execute leases with better credit quality
tenants at today’s market rents.
We
completed
245 lease
agreements
totaling
1.2 million
square feet,
a 54%
increase over
2014’s pace.
Empire State Building, the Urban Campus Within a Building
The World’s Most Famous Building’s transition to Manhattan’s only urban
campus in a single building is near completion and continues to gain
recognition in the market. The Empire State Building now offers an experience
for our tenants and prospects that matches the iconic nature of the asset itself.
In 2015, we introduced additional amenities which include the world’s first
Starbucks dedicated to in-building delivery service. We now offer tenants a
total of six on-site dining options, with more to come. Our 15,000 square-
foot tenant-only fitness center, tenant-only conference center, distributed
antenna system for strong cellular signals throughout the building on any floor,
Platinum WiredScore broadband, and upgraded or restored common areas
resonate well with tenants and brokers. We are now more than 75% of the
way through the world’s largest elevator modernization program with fast and
efficient Otis Compass System controls and ReGen technology, which uses
the downward descent of elevators to generate power instead for ascending
elevators, adding to our already impressive energy efficiency results.
These improvements to the common areas, amenities, and tenant spaces have
been recognized in the market. In 2015, we signed 27 office leases totaling
nearly 358,000 square feet at the Empire State Building, with cash rent
spreads of over 74.4% versus in-place fully escalated rents. We look forward to
more leasing success in the coming year.
Empire State Building Observatory Sets New Revenue Record
With the strengthening of the dollar and the reported decline in the global
economy, overall travel and tourism spending decelerated in the second half
of 2015. While attendance at the Empire State Building Observatory was
not immune, our pricing strategy continued to yield benefits, as revenue
increased from 2014 to a new record in 2015. As we have noted repeatedly, the
Empire State Building Observatory has shown steady resilience in the face of
economic cycles and new competition in the past. We remain The Center of It
All, The Heart of New York City, and a “must do” experience.
Disciplined Acquisition Strategy
In 2015, we increased our review and analysis of potential growth investments,
including single building and portfolio transactions. In August, we contracted
to buy an off-market property within our return criteria under an agreement
which included a right for the seller to seek a higher price prior to the close in
exchange for a break-up fee. The seller obtained a higher sales price that we
chose not to match, and as a result, we received a $2.5 million break-up fee
which we believe was the best outcome for our shareholders. While we work
constantly to identify attractive growth investment opportunities, we apply
In 2015, we
signed 27
office leases
totaling
nearly
358,000
square
feet at the
Empire State
Building.
We received
a $2.5 million
break-up
fee which
we believe
was the best
outcome
for our
shareholders.
Our energy
efficiency
practices not
only help
save tenants
money
through
reduced
direct utility
costs, they
also create
healthy
workplace
environments.
discipline and our firm belief in cycles in our underwriting. We remain focused
on relationship driven transactions which fit well with our business. We simply
will not overpay for assets, especially when we see compelling and significant
embedded de-risked growth within our portfolio.
Leadership in Sustainability
Our industry-leading energy efficiency and sustainability work, which we
first implemented at the Empire State Building, continues to be implemented
through our entire portfolio, and we monitor our reduction in energy
consumption for our buildings and tenants. Our energy efficiency practices
not only help save tenants money through reduced direct utility costs, they
also create healthy workplace environments. ESRT is an EPA Green Lease
Leader, and our updated sustainability matrix is included herein and posted on
www.empirestaterealtytrust.com.
We remain nonbelievers in GRESB and no longer pursue LEED certification.
We believe the programs that were used in the past were not well thought
out. These practices have not adapted to new and more progressive,
investment and return oriented measures of success. We believe facts
reported clearly speak for themselves, and our innovation in sustainability
gives us a competitive edge as we attract and lease space to quality tenants,
and thus improve shareholder value.
On a related note, our Chairman and CEO chairs the Sustainability Policy
Advisory Committee of the Real Estate Roundtable and was the industry driver
behind S535, a new law which specifically addresses energy efficient tenant
installation practices pioneered at the Empire State Building and allows the
creation of Tenant Star, a new tenant fit-out design and construction program.
Our Balance Sheet
Our performance has allowed us to maintain one of the strongest balance
sheets in the public real estate sector. Not only is our leverage low, but
in 2015 we successfully issued $615 million in new long-term unsecured
debt, with attractive interest rates fixed contractually or through hedges.
We ended 2015 with total debt outstanding of approximately $1.6 billion,
which reflected a leverage ratio of just 25%. We have no material debt
maturities until 2017, and our $800 million unsecured credit facility had
$760 million available at year end, with additional expansion features which
we can activate under certain circumstances for up to an additional $450
million. Our balance sheet supports our goal to maximize financial capacity
and flexibility to pursue our growth strategies, which include internal
redevelopment and external growth.
Our Performance
150
140
130
120
110
100
90
E
U
L
A
V
X
E
D
N
I
10/07/13
12/31/13
12/31/14
12/31/15
P E R I O D E N D I N G
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.
S&P 500 Index
NAREIT All Equity Index
NAREIT Office Index
The graph shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement of incorporation by reference in any filing made under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act" and,
together with the Securities Act, the "Acts"), and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.
The preceding graph is a comparison of the cumulative total stockholder return on our Class A common stock, the Standard & Poor's 500 Index
(the "S&P 500 Index"), the NAREIT All Equity Index (the "NAREIT All Equity Index") and the NAREIT Office Index ("NAREIT Office Index"). The
graph assumes that $100.00 was invested on October 7, 2013 and dividends were reinvested without the payment of any commissions. There can
be no assurance that the performance of our shares will continue in line with the same or similar trends depicted in the graph.
Thank you to Our Board and Team
Our dynamic, engaged, experienced, and independent board continues
with only one inside director, Anthony Malkin. We thank each of our Board
members for their active participation and guidance.
Our ESRT team is dedicated, hard-working, smart, and goal-oriented. We
compete to win, with a vision for the long term and perspective garnered
over many decades through multiple cycles. Our senior team, Thomas Durels,
David Karp, and Thomas Keltner, continue to provide real leadership within
our organization, and ensure that we remain a company rooted in excellence,
driven for success.
We are excited that in 2016 we will consolidate our team, presently spread
over multiple offices in two buildings, into new corporate headquarters at 111
West 33rd Street. We have designed an open office plan in which there is
not a single private office, including for the two of us. We look forward to the
communications benefits of more conversations and fewer e-mails to drive
better efficiencies and results.
ESRT
outperformed
the NAREIT
office index
and S&P 500
in 2015.
We continue
to execute
our internal
growth
strategy and
consider
additional
opportunities
to grow
within our
core market.
Forward to the Future
We are happy with our competitive position, management team, Board, and
balance sheet. We are in one of the, if not the, greatest markets in the world.
We continue to execute our internal growth strategy and consider additional
opportunities to grow within our core market.
We are extremely excited about our prospects for the future. We have
approximately 1.8 million square feet of space still to redevelop and re-lease,
which includes approximately 470,000 square feet in the Empire State Building
and an additional 1,290,000 square feet of office space in the balance of our
Manhattan portfolio. We have upside in leased percentage and occupancies
to capture, and we continue to demonstrate upside in rents that we have
achieved through our efforts to reposition and re-tenant our portfolio. This
“de-risked” growth is unique within our industry, and we believe this will add
tremendous value for the years to come.
We remain aligned with shareholders, as no member of our executive team has
sold a single share of Empire State Realty Trust stock, and we remain diligently
focused on value creation and returns to our investors.
ONWARD AND UPWARD.
Anthony E. Malkin
John B. Kessler
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
President and Chief Operating Officer
F O R M 1 0 - K
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. This Annual Report to Stockholders includes “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking
statements may be identified by the use of words such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “intends,” “plans,” “pro forma,”
“estimates,” “contemplates,” “aims,” “continues,” “would” or “anticipates” or the negative of these words and phrases or similar words or phrases. The following
factors, among others, could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those set forth or contemplated in the forward-looking statements:
the factors included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, including those set forth under the headings “Risk
Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Business,” and “Properties." While forward-looking
statements ref lect the Company’s good faith beliefs, they are not guarantees of future performance. The Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update
or revise any forward-looking statement to ref lect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, or new information, data or methods, future events or other
changes after the date of this Annual Report to Stockholders, except as required by applicable law. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could
impact the Company’s future results, performance or transactions, see the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2015, and other risks described in documents subsequently filed by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. Prospective investors should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are based only on information currently available
to the Company (or to third parties making the forward-looking statements).
ArtAr ists 's RenR deringn
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 001-36105
EMPIRE STATE REALTY TRUST, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Maryland
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
37-1645259
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
One Grand Central Place, 60 East 42nd Street, New York, New York 10165
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(212) 687-8700
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Title of Each Class
Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes
No
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data
File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes
No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be
contained, to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this
Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting
company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes
No
As of February 22, 2016, there were 119,986,920 shares of the Registrants' Class A Common Stock outstanding and 1,112,552 shares of the
Registrants' Class B Common Stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.'s Proxy Statement for its 2016 Annual Stockholders' Meeting (which is scheduled to be held on
May 31, 2016) to be filed within 120 days after the end of the Registrant's fiscal year are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual
Report on Form 10-K.
[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
EMPIRE STATE REALTY TRUST, INC.
FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I.
1.
Business
1A. Risk Factors
1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
2.
3.
Properties
Legal Proceedings
Mine Safety Disclosures
4.
PART II.
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholders Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities
Selected Financial Data
5.
6.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
7.
7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk
8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
9.
9A. Controls and Procedures
9B. Other Information
PART III
10.
11.
12.
13.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Executive Compensation
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
14.
PART IV
15.
Exhibits, Financial Statements and Schedules
PAGE
4
12
34
35
42
42
43
45
48
70
71
71
71
72
73
73
73
73
73
73
1
DEFINITIONS
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
"annualized rent" represents annualized base rent and current reimbursement for operating expenses and
real estate taxes;
"formation transactions" mean a series of transactions pursuant to which we acquired, substantially
currently with the completion of the Offering on October 7, 2013 through a series of contributions and
merger transactions, our portfolio of real estate assets that were held by the existing entities, the ownership
interests in the certain management entities of our predecessor and one development parcel;
"fully diluted basis" means all outstanding shares of our Class A common stock at such time plus shares of
Class A common stock that may be issuable upon the exchange of operating partnership units on a one-for-
one basis and shares of Class A common stock issuable upon the conversion of Class B common stock on a
one-for-one basis, which is not the same as the meaning of “fully diluted” under generally accepted
accounting principles in the United States of America, or "GAAP";
"enterprise value" means all outstanding shares of our Class A common stock at such time plus shares of
Class A common stock that may be issuable upon the exchange of operating partnership units on a one-for-
one basis and shares of Class A common stock issuable upon the conversion of Class B common stock on a
one-for-one basis multiplied by the Class A common share price at December 31, 2015, plus private
perpetual preferred units plus consolidated debt at December 31, 2015;
"Malkin Group” means all of the following, as a group: Anthony E. Malkin, Peter L. Malkin and each of
their spouses and lineal descendants (including spouses of such descendants), any estates of any of the
foregoing, any trusts now or hereafter established for the benefit of any of the foregoing, or any
corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other legal entity controlled by Anthony E. Malkin or
any permitted successor in such entity for the benefit of any of the foregoing; provided, however that solely
with respect to tax protection rights and parties who entered into the contribution agreements with respect
to the formation transactions, the Malkin Group shall also include the lineal descendants of Lawrence A.
Wien and his spouse (including spouses of such descendants), any estates of the foregoing, any trusts now
or hereafter established for the benefit of any of the foregoing, or any corporation, partnership, limited
liability company or other legal entity controlled by Anthony E. Malkin for the benefit of the foregoing;
the "Offering" means the initial public offering of our Class A common stock which was completed on
October 7, 2013;
"option properties" mean the long-term leasehold and/or sub-leasehold interests in 1400 Broadway and/or
111 West 33rd Street (formerly known as 112 West 34th Street) (including fee title interest in a small
connected structure at 122 West 34th Street) that we previously had a right to acquire and did acquire on
July 15, 2014;
"our company," "we," "us" and "our" refer to Empire State Realty Trust, Inc., a Maryland real estate
investment trust, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, including Empire State Realty OP, L.P., a
Delaware limited partnership, which we refer to as "our operating partnership";
"our predecessor" means a combination of (i) controlling interests in (a) 16 office and retail properties, (b)
one development parcel, and (c) certain management companies, which were owned by certain entities that
Anthony E. Malkin and Peter L. Malkin, as sponsors, owned interests in and controlled, which we
collectively refer to as the controlled entities, and (ii) non-controlling interests in four office properties
(which include two of the 16 properties set forth in (i) above), held through entities which we collectively
refer to as the non-controlled entities, and are presented as uncombined entities in our combined financial
statements. Specifically, the term “our predecessor” means (i) Malkin Holdings LLC, a New York limited
liability company that acted as the supervisor of, and performed various asset management services and
2
routine administration with respect to, certain of the existing entities, which we refer to as “the
supervisor;” (ii) the limited liability companies or limited partnerships that previously (a) owned, directly or
indirectly and either through a fee interest or a long-term leasehold in the underlying land, and/or (b)
operated, directly or indirectly and through a fee interest, an operating lease, an operating sublease or an
operating sub-sublease, the 18 office and retail properties (which include non-controlling interests in four
office properties for which Malkin Holdings LLC acted as the supervisor but that are not consolidated into
our predecessor for accounting purposes) and entitled land that will support the development of an
approximately 380,000 rentable square foot office building and garage that we own after the formation
transactions, which we refer to as the “existing entities;” (iii) Malkin Properties, L.L.C., a New York limited
liability company that served as the manager and leasing agent for certain of the existing entities in
Manhattan, which we refer to as “Malkin Properties;” (iv) Malkin Properties of New York, L.L.C., a New
York limited liability company that served as the manager and leasing agent for certain of the existing
entities in Westchester County, New York, which we refer to as “Malkin Properties NY;” (v) Malkin
Properties of Connecticut, Inc., a Connecticut corporation that served as the manager and leasing agent for
certain of the existing entities in the State of Connecticut, which we refer to as “Malkin Properties CT;” and
(vi) Malkin Construction Corp., a Connecticut corporation that is a general contractor and provided services
to certain of the existing entities and third parties (including certain tenants at the properties in our
portfolio), which we refer to as “Malkin Construction.” The term “the predecessor’s management
companies” refers to the supervisor, Malkin Properties, Malkin Properties NY, Malkin Properties CT and
Malkin Construction, collectively;
"securityholder" means holders of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock and holders of
our operating partnership's Series ES, Series 250, Series 60 and Series PR operating partnership units;
"traded OP units" mean our operating partnership's Series ES, Series 250 and Series 60 operating
partnership units.
•
•
3
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Overview
PART I
We are a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust, or REIT, that owns, manages, operates,
acquires and repositions office and retail properties in Manhattan and the greater New York metropolitan area, including the
Empire State Building, the world's most famous building.
As of December 31, 2015, our total portfolio, containing 10.1 million rentable square feet of office and retail space,
was 87.3% occupied. Including signed leases not yet commenced, our total portfolio was 89.1% leased. As of December 31,
2015, we owned 14 office properties (including three long-term ground leasehold interests) encompassing approximately 9.3
million rentable square feet of office space, which were approximately 86.7% occupied or 88.6% leased including signed leases
not yet commenced. Nine of these properties are located in the midtown Manhattan market and encompass approximately 7.5
million rentable square feet of office space, including the Empire State Building. Our Manhattan office properties also contain
518,792 rentable square feet of premier retail space on their ground floor and/or contiguous levels. Our remaining five office
properties are located in Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York, encompassing approximately 1.9
million rentable square feet. The majority of square footage for these five properties is located in densely populated
metropolitan communities with immediate access to mass transportation. Additionally, we have entitled land at the Stamford
Transportation Center in Stamford, Connecticut, adjacent to one of our office properties, that will support the development of
an approximately 380,000 rentable square foot office building and garage, which we refer to herein as Metro Tower. As of
December 31, 2015, our portfolio also included four standalone retail properties located in Manhattan and two standalone retail
properties located in the city center of Westport, Connecticut, encompassing 204,452 rentable square feet in the aggregate. As
of December 31, 2015, our standalone retail properties were 100.0% leased in the aggregate.
The Empire State Building offers panoramic views of New York and neighboring states from its world-famous 86th
and 102nd floor observatories that draw millions of visitors per year. The number of visitors to the observatories was
approximately 4.1 million and 4.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The 86th floor
observatory has a 360-degree outdoor deck as well as indoor viewing galleries to accommodate guests day and night, all year-
round. The 102nd floor observatory is entirely indoors and offers a 360-degree view of New York City from 1,250 feet above
ground.
We were organized as a Maryland corporation on July 29, 2011. We did not have any assets other than cash and did
not have any meaningful operating activity until the consummation of the Offering and the related acquisition of our
predecessor and certain non-controlled entities controlled by our predecessor on October 7, 2013 as part of the formation
transactions. Our operations commenced upon completion of the Offering and related formation transactions on October 7,
2013. Our operating partnership holds substantially all of our assets and conducts substantially all of our business. As of
December 31, 2015, we owned approximately 44.9% of the aggregate operating partnership units in our operating partnership.
Our company, as the sole general partner in our operating partnership, has responsibility and discretion in the management and
control in our operating partnership, and the limited partners in our operating partnership, in such capacity, have no authority to
transact business for, or participate in the management activities of, our operating partnership. We elected to be taxed as a real
estate investment trust ("REIT") and operate in a manner that we believe allows us to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax
purposes commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2013.
Our Competitive Strengths
We believe that we distinguish ourselves from other owners and operators of office and retail properties as a result of
the following competitive strengths:
•
Irreplaceable Portfolio of Office Properties in Midtown Manhattan. Our Manhattan office properties are located in
one of the most prized office markets in the world due to a combination of supply constraints, high barriers to entry,
near-term and long-term prospects for job creation, vacancy absorption and rental rate growth. Management believes
these properties could not be replaced today on a cost-competitive basis, if at all. As of December 31, 2015, we
owned nine Manhattan office properties (including three long-term ground leasehold interests) encompassing
approximately 7.5 million rentable square feet of office space, including the Empire State Building, our flagship
property. Unlike traditional office buildings, the Empire State Building provides us with a significant source of
income from its observatory and broadcasting operations. All of these properties include premier retail space on their
ground floor and/or contiguous levels, which comprise 518,792 rentable square feet in the aggregate and some of
4
which have recently undergone significant redevelopments. We believe the high quality of our buildings, services and
amenities, their desirable locations and commuter access to mass transportation should allow us to increase rents and
occupancy to generate positive cash flow and growth.
• Expertise in Repositioning and Redeveloping Manhattan Office Properties. We have substantial expertise in
redeveloping and repositioning Manhattan office properties, having invested a total of approximately $645.0 million
(excluding tenant improvement costs and leasing commissions) in our Manhattan office properties since we assumed
full control of the day-to-day management of these properties beginning with One Grand Central Place in November
2002 through 2006. The $645.0 million includes amounts invested at 1400 Broadway and 111 West 33rd Street
(formerly known as 112 West 34th Street), which were acquired after the completion of the Offering. We have
substantial experience in upgrading, redeveloping and modernizing (or are in the process thereof) building lobbies,
corridors, bathrooms and elevator cabs and old, antiquated spaces to include new ceilings, lighting, pantries and base
building systems (including electric distribution and air conditioning), as well as enhanced tenant amenities. To
complete our portfolio-wide redevelopment program as presently defined, we intend to spend an additional $30.0
million to $50.0 million on repositioning activities at our existing Manhattan office properties (excluding tenant
improvement costs and leasing commissions), most of which remains at the Empire State Building. We have
successfully aggregated and are continuing to aggregate smaller spaces to offer larger blocks of space, including
multiple floors, that are attractive to larger, higher credit-quality tenants and to offer new, pre-built suites with
improved layouts. As part of this program, we have converted some or all of the second floor office space of certain
of our Manhattan office properties to higher rent retail space. We believe that the post-redevelopment high quality of
our buildings and the service we provide also attract higher credit-quality tenants for larger spaces at rents above
similar vintage buildings, and below new construction, thus defining a new price point and allowing us to drive
superior returns on invested capital per square foot. In addition, we believe that, based on the results of our base
building energy efficiency retrofit, and energy efficient tenant build-outs, at the Empire State Building, the lessons of
which we are applying throughout our portfolio, we derive cost savings through innovative energy efficiency
retrofitting and sustainability initiatives, reducing direct and indirect energy costs paid both by tenants and by us
throughout our other Manhattan office properties and greater New York metropolitan area office properties, and that
this improves our competitive position.
• Leader in Energy Efficiency Retrofitting. We have pioneered certain practices in energy efficiency, and at the Empire
State Building we have partnered with the Clinton Climate Initiative, Johnson Controls Inc., Jones Lang LaSalle and
the Rocky Mountain Institute to create and implement a groundbreaking, replicable process for integrating energy
efficiency retrofits in the existing built environment. The reduced energy consumption reduces costs for us and our
tenants, and we believe creates a competitive advantage for our properties. We believe that higher quality tenants in
general place a higher priority on sustainability, controlling costs, and minimizing contributions to greenhouse gases.
We believe our expertise in this area gives us the opportunity to attract higher quality tenants at higher rental rates and
to reduce our expenses. As a result of our efforts, approximately 64.3% of our portfolio square feet is Energy Star
certified, including the Empire State Building. As a result of the energy efficiency retrofits, we estimate that the
Empire State Building will save at least 38% of its pre-retrofit level of energy use, resulting in at least $4.4 million of
annual energy cost savings. Johnson Controls Inc. has guaranteed minimum energy cost savings of $2.2 million
annually, from 2010 through 2025, with respect to certain of the retrofits in which Johnson Controls Inc. was project
leader. Actual 2013 energy cost savings was $2.8 million. We are implementing cost justified energy efficiency retrofit
projects in our Manhattan and greater New York metropolitan area office properties based on our work at the Empire
State Building. Finally, we maintain a series of management practices utilizing recycling of tenant and construction
waste, recycled content carpets, low off-gassing paints and adhesives, “green” pest control and cleaning solutions, and
recycled paper products throughout our office portfolio. We believe that our portfolio’s attractiveness is enhanced by
these practices and that this should result in higher rental rates, longer lease terms and higher quality tenants.
• Attractive Retail Locations in Densely Populated Metropolitan Communities. As of December 31, 2015, our
portfolio also included six standalone retail properties and retail space at the ground floor and/or lower levels of our
Manhattan office properties, encompassing 723,244 rentable square feet in the aggregate, which were approximately
94.3% occupied in the aggregate. All of these properties are located in dynamic retail corridors with convenient
access to mass transportation, a diverse tenant base and high pedestrian traffic and/or main destination locations. Our
retail portfolio includes 701,811 rentable square feet located in Manhattan and 21,433 rentable square feet located in
Westport, Connecticut. Our current retail rents are meaningfully below current market rents, and as we recapture and
redevelop retail space, we are able to drive strong positive spreads on newly leased space. We have significant retail
expirations in the coming years that will allow us to further increase our cash flows as we continue our redevelopment
program. Our retail tenants cover a number of industries, including financial services, and include Allen Edmonds;
Ann Taylor; AT&T; Bank of America; Bank Santander (Sovereign Bank); Best Buy Mobile; Charles Schwab;
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Chipotle; Duane Reade (a division of Walgreen Co.); Ethan Allen; FedEx/Kinko’s; Food Emporium; FootLocker;
Gamestop; HSBC; JP Morgan Chase; Loews Theatre; Lululemon; Men’s Wearhouse; Nike; Panera Bread; Potbelly
Sandwich Works; Sprint; Starbucks; Theory; TJ Maxx; Urban Outfitters; and Walgreens. Our Westport, Connecticut
retail properties are located on Main Street, the main pedestrian thoroughfare in Westport, Connecticut, and have the
advantage of being adjacent to one of the few available large-scale parking lots in town.
• Experienced and Committed Management Team with Proven Track Record. Our senior management team is highly
regarded in the real estate community and has extensive relationships with a broad range of brokers, owners, tenants
and lenders. We have developed relationships we believe enable us to both secure high credit-quality tenants on
attractive terms, as well as provide us with potential acquisition opportunities. We have substantial in-house expertise
and resources in asset and property management, leasing, marketing, acquisitions, construction, development and
financing and a platform that is highly scalable. Members of our senior management team have worked in the real
estate industry for an average of approximately 32 years with extensive experience in Greater New York area real
estate, through many economic cycles. We take an intensive, hands-on approach to the management of our portfolio
and quality brand building. As of December 31, 2015, our named executive officers owned 13.1% of our common
stock on a fully diluted basis (including shares of common stock as to which Anthony E. Malkin has the right to vote,
but does not have a primary interest), and therefore their interests are aligned with those of our securityholders and
they are incentivized to maximize returns to our securityholders.
•
Strong Balance Sheet Supportive of Future Growth. As of December 31, 2015, we had total debt outstanding of
approximately $1.6 billion, with a weighted average interest rate of 4.12% and a weighted average maturity of 5.4
years. Additionally, we had approximately $760.0 million of available borrowing capacity under our secured
revolving and term credit facility as of December 31, 2015. Our debt represented 25.3% of enterprise value and our
net debt to EBITDA was 4.9x. Excluding principal amortization, we have no debt maturing in 2016 and
approximately $355.8 million of debt maturing in 2017. We continue to extend and ladder our debt maturities, increase
our access to a variety of capital sources and maintain low leverage with significant capacity on our balance sheet.
This low level of leverage gives us flexibility to cover our capital program and to take advantage of opportunities to
acquire additional properties as and when we see compelling opportunities. We believe that lower levered companies
outperform over the long term.
Business and Growth Strategies
Our primary business objectives are to maximize cash flow and total returns to our securityholders and to increase the
value of our properties through the pursuit of the following business and growth strategies:
• Vacating, Redeveloping, and Leasing of Redeveloped Space at Our Manhattan Office Properties. As of
December 31, 2015, our Manhattan office properties (excluding the retail component of these properties) were
approximately 84.9% occupied, or 87.2% leased including signed leases not commenced, and had approximately 1.0
million rentable square feet of available space (excluding signed leases not commenced). Our program of
redevelopment necessarily includes vacating older less desirable suites; demolishing them for re-leasing as full or
multi-floor blocks, or as new pre-built suites; and re-leasing them. We believe our redevelopment and repositioning
program for our Manhattan office properties results in our leasing space to better credit tenants and higher rents, while
achieving returns of nine to 22 percent. Over time, as we have created and redeveloped large blocks of available
space, we have leased them to higher quality tenants at higher rents, and intend to continue to execute on this program
over the years to come. To date we believe these efforts have accelerated our ability to lease space to new higher
credit-quality tenants, many of which have expanded the office space they lease from us over time. We also employ a
pre-built suite strategy in selected portions of some of our properties to appeal to many credit-worthy smaller tenants
by fitting out some available space with new ceilings, lighting, pantries and base building systems (including electric
distribution and air conditioning) for immediate occupancy. These pre-built suites deploy energy efficiency strategies
developed in our work at the Empire State Building and are designed with efficient layouts sought by a wide array of
users which we believe will require only minor painting and carpeting for future re-leasing thus reducing our future
costs. We expect to achieve returns on investment of nine to 18 percent on our pre-built suites. Over time, as we have
redeveloped the spaces in our buildings, we believe we will increase our occupancy.
•
Increase Existing Below-Market Rents. The purpose of our redevelopment is to sign leases for larger amounts of
space to better credit tenants at higher rents. To date, we have capitalized on this opportunity and we believe we have
significant embedded, de-risked growth that we can capture as we execute on the successful repositioning of our
Manhattan office portfolio and improving market fundamentals to increase rents. For example, we expect to benefit
from the re-leasing of 7.5%, or approximately 558,939 rentable square feet (including month-to-month leases), of our
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Manhattan office leases expiring through December 31, 2016, which we generally believe are currently at below
market rates. These expiring leases represent a weighted average base rent of $44.90 per square foot based on current
measurements. As older leases expire, we expect to continue to upgrade certain space to further increase rents. Our
concentration in Manhattan and the greater New York metropolitan area should also enable us to benefit from
increased rents associated with current and anticipated near-term improvements in the financial and economic
environment in these areas. We also expect to benefit from our price positioning as we command prices that are above
comparable vintage properties due to the quality of our newly developed space and our attractive amenities but below
new construction.
• Complete the Redevelopment and Repositioning of Our Current Portfolio. We intend to continue to increase
occupancy, improve tenant quality and enhance cash flow and value by completing the redevelopment and
repositioning of our Manhattan office properties. We intend selectively to continue to allow leases for smaller spaces
to expire or relocate smaller tenants in order to aggregate, demolish and re-demise existing office space into larger
blocks of vacant space, which we believe will attract higher credit-quality tenants at higher rental rates. We apply
rigorous underwriting analysis to determine if aggregation of vacant space for future leasing to larger tenants will
improve our cash flows over the long term. In addition, we are a leader in developing economically justified energy
efficiency retrofitting and sustainability and have made it a portfolio-wide initiative. We believe this makes our
properties desirable to high credit-quality tenants at higher rental rates and longer lease terms.
• Pursue Attractive Acquisition and Development Opportunities. We will opportunistically pursue attractive
opportunities to acquire office and retail properties. For the foreseeable future, we intend to focus our acquisition
strategy primarily on Manhattan office properties and, to a lesser extent, office and multi-tenanted retail properties in
densely populated communities in the greater New York metropolitan area and other markets we may identify in the
future. We believe we can utilize our industry relationships (including well-known real estate owners in Manhattan),
brand recognition, and our expertise in redeveloping and repositioning office properties to identify acquisition
opportunities where we believe we can increase occupancy and rental rates. We also believe there is significant
growth opportunity to acquire and reposition additional stand-alone retail spaces. Our strong balance sheet, access to
capital, and ability to offer operating partnership units in tax deferred acquisition transactions should give us
significant flexibility in structuring and consummating acquisitions. Further, we have a development site, Metro Tower
at the Stamford Transportation Center, which is adjacent to our Metro Center property, which we believe to be one of
the premier office buildings in Connecticut. All required zoning approvals have been obtained to allow development
of an approximately 380,000 rentable square foot office tower and garage. We intend to develop this site when we
deem the appropriate combination of market and other conditions are in place.
• Proactively Manage Our Portfolio. We believe our proactive, service-intensive approach to asset and property
management helps increase occupancy and rental rates. We utilize our comprehensive building management services
and our strong commitment to tenant and broker relationships and satisfaction to negotiate attractive leasing deals and
to attract high credit-quality tenants. We proactively manage our rent roll and maintain continuous communication
with our tenants. We foster strong tenant relationships by being responsive to tenant needs. We do this through the
amenities we provide, the quality of our buildings and services, our employee screening and training, energy
efficiency initiatives, and preventative maintenance and prompt repairs. Our attention to detail is integral to serving
our clients and building our brand. Our properties have received numerous industry awards for their operational
efficiency. We believe long-term tenant relationships will improve our operating results over time by reducing leasing,
marketing and tenant improvement costs and reducing tenant turnover. We do extensive diligence on our
tenants’ (current and prospective) balance sheets, businesses and business models to determine if we will establish
long-term relationships in which they will both renew with us and expand over time.
Leasing
We are focused on maintaining a brand that tenants associate with a consistently high level of quality of services,
installations, maintenance and amenities with long term financial stability. Through our commitment to brokers, we have
developed long-term relationships that focus on negotiating attractive transactions with high credit-quality tenants. We
proactively manage and cultivate our industry relationships and make the most senior members of our management team
available to our constituencies. We believe that our consistent, open dialogue with our tenants and brokers enables us to
maximize our redevelopment and repositioning opportunities. Our focus on performance and perspective allows us to
concentrate on the ongoing management of our portfolio, while seeking opportunities for growth in the future.
Property Management
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We protect our investments by regularly monitoring our properties, performing routine preventive maintenance, and
implementing capital improvement programs in connection with property redevelopment and life cycle replacement of
equipment and systems. We presently self-manage all of our properties. We proactively manage our properties and rent rolls to
(i) aggregate smaller demised spaces to create large blocks of vacant space, to attract high credit-quality tenants at higher rental
rates, and (ii) create efficient, modern, pre-built offices that can be rented through several lease cycles and attract better credit-
quality tenants. We aggressively manage and control operating expenses at all of our properties. In addition, we have made
energy efficiency retrofitting and sustainability a portfolio-wide initiative driven by economic return. We pass on the cost
savings achieved by such improvements to our tenants through lower utility costs and reduced operating expense escalations.
We believe these initiatives make our properties more desirable to a broader tenant base than the properties of our competitors.
Business Segments
Our reportable segments consist of a real estate segment and an observatory segment. Our real estate segment
includes all activities related to the ownership, management, operation, acquisition, repositioning and disposition of our real
estate assets. Our observatory segment operates the 86th and 102nd floor observatories at the Empire State Building. These
two lines of businesses are managed separately because each business requires different support infrastructures, provides
different services and has dissimilar economic characteristics such as investments needed, stream of revenues and different
marketing strategies. We account for intersegment sales and transfers as if the sales or transfers were to third parties, that is, at
current market prices. We include our construction operation in "Other" and it includes all activities related to providing
construction services to tenants and to other entities within and outside our company. As of March 27, 2015, we no longer
solicited new business for our construction management business. We completed all projects that were in progress. See Note 14
to our consolidated financial statements for further information on our reportable segments.
Regulation
General
The properties in our portfolio are subject to various laws, ordinances and regulations, including regulations relating to
common areas. We believe each of the existing properties has the necessary permits and approvals to operate its business.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Our properties must comply with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, to the extent that such
properties are “public accommodations” as defined by the ADA. The ADA may require removal of structural barriers to access
by persons with disabilities in certain public areas of our properties where such removal is readily achievable. We believe the
existing properties are in substantial compliance with the ADA and that we will not be required to make substantial capital
expenditures to address the requirements of the ADA. However, noncompliance with the ADA could result in imposition of
fines or an award of damages to private litigants. The obligation to make readily achievable accommodations is an ongoing
one, and we will continue to assess our properties and to make alterations as appropriate in this respect.
Environmental Matters
Under various federal, state and/or local laws, ordinances and regulations, as a current or former owner or operator of
real property, we may be liable for costs and damages resulting from the presence or release of hazardous substances, waste, or
petroleum products at, on, in, under or from such property, including costs for investigation or remediation, natural resource
damages, or third party liability for personal injury or property damage. These laws often impose liability without regard to
whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence or release of such materials, and the liability may
be joint and several. Some of our properties have been or may be impacted by contamination arising from current or prior uses
of the property or adjacent properties for commercial, industrial or other purposes. Such contamination may arise from spills of
petroleum or hazardous substances or releases from tanks used to store such materials. We also may be liable for the costs of
remediating contamination at off-site disposal or treatment facilities when we arrange for disposal or treatment of hazardous
substances at such facilities, without regard to whether we comply with environmental laws in doing so. The presence of
contamination or the failure to remediate contamination on our properties may adversely affect our ability to attract and/or
retain tenants, and our ability to develop or sell or borrow against those properties. In addition to potential liability for cleanup
costs, private plaintiffs may bring claims for personal injury, property damage or for similar reasons. Environmental laws also
may create liens on contaminated sites in favor of the government for damages and costs it incurs to address such
contamination. Moreover, if contamination is discovered on our properties, environmental laws may impose restrictions on the
manner in which that property may be used or how businesses may be operated on that property.
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Some of our properties are adjacent to or near other properties used for industrial or commercial purposes or that have
contained or currently contain underground storage tanks used to store petroleum products or other hazardous or toxic
substances. Releases from these properties could impact our properties. In addition, some of our properties have previously
been used by former owners or tenants for commercial or industrial activities, e.g., gas stations and dry cleaners, and a portion
of the Metro Tower site is currently used for automobile parking and fueling, that may release petroleum products or other
hazardous or toxic substances at such properties or to surrounding properties. While certain properties contain or contained
uses that could have or have impacted our properties, we are not aware of any liabilities related to environmental contamination
that we believe will have a material adverse effect on our operations.
Soil contamination has been identified at 69-97 Main Street in Westport, Connecticut. The affected soils are more
than four feet below the ground surface. An Environmental Land Use Restriction has been imposed on this site to ensure the
soil is not exposed, excavated or disturbed such that it could create a risk of migration of pollutants or a potential hazard to
human health or the environment. While the contamination is currently contained, the potential resale value of this property
and our ability to finance or refinance this property in the future may be adversely affected as a result of such contamination.
In addition, pursuant to the Environmental Land Use Restriction, plans for the redevelopment of the property would be subject
to the review of the Town of Westport, Connecticut among other conditions.
The property situated at 500 Mamaroneck Avenue in Harrison, New York was the subject of a voluntary remedial
action work cleanup plan performed by the former owner following its conveyance of title to the present owners under an
agreement with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, or NYDEC. As a condition to the issuance of
a “no further action” letter, NYDEC required that certain restrictive and affirmative covenants be recorded against the subject
property. In substantial part, these include prohibition against construction that would disturb the soil cap isolating certain
contaminated subsurface soil, limiting the use of such property to commercial uses, implementing engineering controls to
assure that improvements be kept in good condition, not using ground water at the site for potable purposes without treatment,
implementing safety procedures for workers to follow excavating at the site to protect their health and safety and filing an
annual certification that the controls implemented in accordance with the voluntary remedial action work cleanup plan remain
in place. Furthermore, a substantial portion of the site that had been substantially unimproved prior to acquisition may not be
further developed.
In addition, our properties are subject to various federal, state and local environmental and health and safety laws and
regulations. Noncompliance with these environmental and health and safety laws and regulations could subject us or our
tenants to liability. These liabilities could affect a tenant’s ability to make rental payments to us. Moreover, changes in laws
could increase the potential costs of compliance with such laws and regulations or increase liability for noncompliance. This
may result in significant unanticipated expenditures or may otherwise materially and adversely affect our operations, or those
of our tenants, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on us. We sometimes require our tenants to comply with
environmental and health and safety laws and regulations and to indemnify us for any related liabilities in our leases with them.
But in the event of the bankruptcy or inability of any of our tenants to satisfy such obligations, we may be required to satisfy
such obligations. We are not presently aware of any instances of material non-compliance with environmental or health and
safety laws or regulations at our properties, and we believe that we and/or our tenants have all material permits and approvals
necessary under current laws and regulations to operate our properties.
As the owner or operator of real property, we may also incur liability based on various building conditions. For
example, buildings and other structures on properties that we currently own or operate or those we acquire or operate in the
future contain, may contain, or may have contained, asbestos-containing material, or ACM. Environmental and health and
safety laws require that ACM be properly managed and maintained and may impose fines or penalties on owners, operators or
employers for non-compliance with those requirements. These requirements include special precautions, such as removal,
abatement or air monitoring, if ACM would be disturbed during maintenance, redevelopment or demolition of a building,
potentially resulting in substantial costs. In addition, we may be subject to liability for personal injury or property damage
sustained as a result of releases of ACM into the environment. We are not presently aware of any material liabilities related to
building conditions, including any instances of material non-compliance with asbestos requirements or any material liabilities
related to asbestos.
In addition, our properties may contain or develop harmful mold or suffer from other indoor air quality issues, which
could lead to liability for adverse health effects or property damage or costs for remediation. When excessive moisture
accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth may occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains
undiscovered or is not addressed over a period of time. Some molds may produce airborne toxins or irritants. Indoor air quality
issues can also stem from inadequate ventilation, chemical contamination from indoor or outdoor sources, and other biological
contaminants such as pollen, viruses and bacteria. Indoor exposure to airborne toxins or irritants above certain levels can be
alleged to cause a variety of adverse health effects and symptoms, including allergic or other reactions. As a result, the
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presence of significant mold or other airborne contaminants at any of our properties could require us to undertake a costly
remediation program to contain or remove the mold or other airborne contaminants from the affected property or increase
indoor ventilation. In addition, the presence of significant mold or other airborne contaminants could expose us to liability
from our tenants, employees of our tenants or others if property damage or personal injury occurs. We are not presently aware
of any material adverse indoor air quality issues at our properties.
Insurance
We carry comprehensive liability, fire, extended coverage, earthquake, terrorism and rental loss insurance covering all
of our Manhattan properties and our greater New York metropolitan area properties under a blanket policy. We carry additional
all-risk property and business insurance, which includes terrorism insurance, on the Empire State Building through ESRT
Captive Insurance Company L.L.C., or ESRT Captive Insurance, our wholly owned captive insurance company. ESRT Captive
Insurance covers terrorism insurance for $800 million in losses in excess of $800 million per occurrence suffered by the Empire
State Building, providing us with aggregate terrorism coverage of $1.6 billion at that property. ESRT Captive Insurance fully
reinsures the 15% coinsurance under the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2015 (TRIPRA) and the
difference between the TRIPRA captive deductible and policy deductible of $25,000 for non-Nuclear, Biological, Chemical and
Radiological exposures. As a result, we remain only liable for the 15% coinsurance under TRIPRA for Nuclear, Biological,
Chemical and Radiological (NBCR) exposures, as well as a deductible equal to 20% of the prior year’s premium. As long as we
own ESRT Captive Insurance, we are responsible for ESRT Captive Insurance’s liquidity and capital resources, and ESRT
Captive Insurance’s accounts are part of our consolidated financial statements. If we experience a loss and our captive
insurance company is required to pay under its insurance policy, we would ultimately record the loss to the extent of its
required payment. The policies described above cover certified terrorism losses as defined under the Terrorism Risk Insurance
Act of 2002 (TRIA) and subsequent extensions. On January 12, 2015, the President of the United States signed into law
TRIPRA, which extends TRIA through December 31, 2020. TRIA provides for a system of shared public and private
compensation for insured losses resulting from acts of terrorism. As a result, the certified terrorism coverage provided by ESRT
Captive Insurance is eligible for 85% coinsurance provided by the United States Treasury in excess of a statutorily calculated
deductible. ESRT Captive Insurance reinsures 100% of their 15% coinsurance for non-NBCR exposures. The 15% coinsurance
on NBCR exposures is retained by ESRT Captive Insurance.
TRIA was not in effect for the period from January 1, 2015 through January 11, 2015. During this brief period of time,
we carried a reduced terrorism insurance limit, which we believed was commercially acceptable under the circumstances.
Reinsurance contracts do not relieve ESRT Captive Insurance from its primary obligations to its policyholders.
Additionally, failure of the various reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in significant losses to ESRT Captive
Insurance. The reinsurance has been ceded to reinsurers approved by the State of Vermont. ESRT Captive Insurance continually
evaluates the reinsurers’ financial condition by considering published financial stability ratings of the reinsurers and other
factors. There can be no assurance that reinsurance will continue to be available to ESRT Captive Insurance to the same extent
and at the same cost. ESRT Captive Insurance may choose in the future to reevaluate the use of reinsurance to increase or
decrease the amounts of risk it cedes.
In addition to insurance held through our captive insurance company described above, we carry terrorism insurance on
all of our properties in an amount and with deductibles which we believe are commercially reasonable.
Competition
The leasing of real estate is highly competitive in Manhattan and the greater New York metropolitan market in which
we operate. We compete with numerous acquirers, developers, owners and operators of commercial real estate, many of which
own or may seek to acquire or develop properties similar to ours in the same markets in which our properties are located. The
principal means of competition are rent charged, location, services provided and the nature and condition of the facility to be
leased. In addition, we face competition from other real estate companies including other REITs, private real estate funds,
domestic and foreign financial institutions, life insurance companies, pension trusts, partnerships, individual investors and
others that may have greater financial resources or access to capital than we do or that are willing to acquire properties in
transactions which are more highly leveraged or are less attractive from a financial viewpoint than we are willing to pursue. In
addition, competition from observatory and/or broadcasting operations at One World Trade Center and, to a lesser extent, from
the observatory at Rockefeller Center and the broadcasting facility at Four Times Square, could have a negative impact on
revenues from our observatory operations and/or broadcasting revenues. Adverse impacts on domestic travel and changes in
foreign currency exchange rates may also decrease demand in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our
results of operations, financial condition and ability to make distributions to our securityholders. If our competitors offer space
at rental rates below current market rates, below the rental rates we currently charge our tenants, in better locations within our
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markets or in higher quality facilities, we may lose potential tenants and we may be pressured to reduce our rental rates below
those we currently charge in order to retain tenants when our tenants’ leases expire.
Our Tax Status
We elected to be taxed as a REIT and operate in a manner that we believe allows us to qualify as a REIT for federal
income tax purposes commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2013. We believe we have been organized in
conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, the ("Code"), and that our intended manner of operation will enable us to meet the requirements for qualification and
taxation as a REIT. So long as we qualify as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our net
taxable income that we distribute currently to our securityholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year and do not
qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates and may
be precluded from qualifying as a REIT for the subsequent four taxable years following the year during which we lost our REIT
qualification. Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our
income or property.
Inflation
Substantially all of our leases provide for separate real estate tax and operating expense escalations. In addition, many
of the leases provide for fixed base rent increases. We believe inflationary increases may be at least partially offset by the
contractual rent increases and expense escalations described above. We do not believe inflation has had a material impact on
our historical financial position or results of operations.
Seasonality
Our observatory business is subject to tourism trends and weather, and therefore does experience some seasonality.
During the past ten years of our annual observatory revenue, approximately 16% to 18% was realized in the first quarter, 26.0%
to 28.0% was realized in the second quarter, 31.0% to 33.0% was realized in the third quarter and 23.0% to 25.0% was realized
in the fourth quarter. We do not consider the balance of our business to be subject to material seasonal fluctuations.
Employees
As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately 850 employees, 148 of whom were managers and professionals.
There are currently collective bargaining agreements which cover the workforce that services all of our office properties.
Offices
Our principal executive offices are located at One Grand Central Place, 60 East 42nd Street, New York, New York
10165. In addition, we have six additional regional leasing and property management offices in Manhattan and the greater New
York metropolitan area. Our current facilities are adequate for our present and future operations, although we may add regional
offices or relocate our headquarters, depending upon our future operations.
Available Information
Our website address is http://www.empirestaterealtytrust.com. The information found on, or otherwise accessible
through, our website is not incorporated information and does not form a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or any other
report or document we file with or furnish to the SEC. We make available, free of charge, on or through the SEC Filings
section of our website, annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and
amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. We have
also posted on our website the Audit Committee Charter, Compensation Committee Charter, Finance Committee Charter,
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter, Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Business Conduct
and Ethics, which govern our directors, officers and employees. Within the time period required by the SEC, we will post on
our website any amendment to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and any waiver applicable to our senior financial
officers, and our executive officers or directors. You can also read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at its Public
Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549 (1-800-SEC-0330). The SEC maintains an Internet site (http://
www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file
electronically with the SEC.
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider these risk factors, together with all of the other information included in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K, including our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto, before you decide whether
to make an investment in our securities. The risks set out below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and
uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially and adversely affect our
business, prospects, financial condition, cash flows, liquidity, funds from operations, results of operations, share price, ability
to service our indebtedness, and/or ability to make cash distributions to our securityholders (including those necessary to
maintain our REIT qualification). In such case, the value of our common stock and the trading price of our securities could
decline, and you may lose all or a significant part of your investment. Some statements in the following risk factors constitute
forward looking statements. See the section entitled “Forward-Looking Statements.”
Risks Related to Our Properties and Our Business
All of our properties are located in Manhattan and the greater New York metropolitan area, in particular midtown
Manhattan, and adverse economic or regulatory developments in this area could materially and adversely affect us.
All of our properties are located in Manhattan and the greater New York metropolitan area, in particular midtown
Manhattan, as well as nearby markets in Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York. Nine of our 14
office properties are located in midtown Manhattan. As a result, our business is dependent on the condition of the New York
City economy in general and the market for office space in midtown Manhattan in particular, which exposes us to greater
economic risks than if we owned a more geographically diverse portfolio. We are susceptible to adverse developments in the
New York City economic and regulatory environment (such as business layoffs or downsizing, industry slowdowns, relocations
of businesses, increases in real estate and other taxes, costs of complying with governmental regulations or increased
regulation). Such adverse developments could materially reduce the value of our real estate portfolio and our rental revenues,
and thus materially and adversely affect our ability to service current debt and to pay distributions to securityholders. We could
also be impacted by adverse developments in the Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York markets.
We cannot assure you that these markets will grow or that underlying real estate fundamentals will be favorable to owners and
operators of office or retail properties. Our operations may also be affected if competing properties are built in either of these
markets.
Adverse economic and geopolitical conditions in general and in Manhattan and the greater New York metropolitan area
commercial office and retail markets in particular, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations,
financial condition, ability to service debt and our ability to make distributions to our securityholders.
Our business may be affected by the volatility and illiquidity in the financial and credit markets, a general global
economic recession and other market or economic challenges experienced by the real estate industry or the U.S. economy as a
whole. Our business may also be materially and adversely affected by local economic conditions, as substantially all of our
revenues are derived from our properties located in Manhattan and the greater New York metropolitan area, particularly in
Manhattan, Fairfield County and Westchester County. Because our portfolio consists primarily of commercial office and retail
buildings (as compared to a more diversified real estate portfolio) located principally in Manhattan, if economic conditions
persist or deteriorate, then our results of operations, financial condition, ability to service current debt and to make distributions
to our securityholders may be materially and adversely affected by the following, among other potential conditions:
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•
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the financial condition of our tenants, many of which are consumer goods, financial, legal and other professional
firms, may be adversely affected, which may result in tenant defaults under leases due to bankruptcy, lack of liquidity,
operational failures or other reasons;
significant job losses in the financial and professional services industries have occurred and may continue to occur,
which may decrease demand for our office space, causing market rental rates and property values to be impacted
negatively;
our ability to borrow on terms and conditions that we find acceptable, or at all, may be limited, which could reduce our
ability to pursue acquisition and development opportunities, engage in our redevelopment and repositioning activities
and refinance existing debt, reduce our returns from both our existing operations and our acquisition and development
activities and increase our future interest expense;
reduced values of our properties may limit our ability to dispose of assets at attractive prices or to obtain debt
financing secured by our properties and may reduce the availability of unsecured loans;
reduced liquidity in debt markets and increased credit risk premiums for certain market participants may impair our
ability to access capital or make such access more expensive; and
the value and liquidity of our short-term investments and cash deposits could be reduced as a result of a deterioration
of the financial condition of the institutions that hold our cash deposits or the institutions or assets in which we have
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made short-term investments, the dislocation of the markets for our short-term investments, increased volatility in
market rates for such investments or other factors.
These conditions may continue or worsen in the future, which could materially and adversely affect our results of
operations, financial condition and ability to make distributions to our securityholders.
There can be no assurance that our redevelopment and repositioning program will be completed in its entirety in
accordance with the anticipated timing or at the anticipated cost, or that we will achieve the results we expect from our
redevelopment and repositioning program, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results
of operations.
We have been undertaking a comprehensive redevelopment and repositioning program of our Manhattan office
properties that has included the physical improvement through upgrades and modernization of, and tenant upgrades in, such
properties. We currently estimate that between $30.0 million and $50.0 million of capital is needed primarily in 2016 to
complete substantially the redevelopment and repositioning program of our Manhattan office properties, which we expect to
occur by the end of 2016. These estimates are based on our current budgets (which do not include tenant improvements and
leasing commissions) and may be less than our actual costs. We may experience conditions which delay or preclude program
completion. In addition, we may not be able to lease available space on favorable terms or at all. Further, our redevelopment
and repositioning program may lead to temporary increased vacancy rates at the properties undergoing redevelopment. There
can be no assurance that our redevelopment and repositioning program will be completed in its entirety in accordance with the
anticipated timing or at the anticipated cost, or that we will achieve the results we expect from our redevelopment and
repositioning program or that we will be able to achieve anticipated results which could materially and adversely affect our
financial condition and results of operations.
We rely on five properties for a significant portion of our rental revenue.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, five of our properties, the Empire State Building, One Grand Central Place,
111 West 33rd Street (formerly known as 112 West 34th Street), 1400 Broadway and First Stamford Place together accounted
for approximately 66.2% of our portfolio’s rental revenues, and no other property accounted for more than approximately 5.0%
of our portfolio’s rental revenues. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Empire State Building individually accounted
for approximately 31.4% of our portfolio’s rental revenues. Our revenue and cash available for distribution to our
securityholders would be materially and adversely affected if the Empire State Building, One Grand Central Place, 111 West
33rd Street (formerly known as 112 West 34th Street), 1400 Broadway or First Stamford Place were materially damaged or
destroyed. Additionally, our revenue and cash available for distribution to our securityholders would be materially adversely
affected if a significant number of our tenants at these properties experienced a downturn in their business which may weaken
their financial condition and result in their failure to make timely rental payments, defaulting under their leases or filing for
bankruptcy.
The observatory operations at the Empire State Building are not traditional real estate operations, and competition and
changes in tourist trends may subject us to additional risks, which could materially and adversely affect us.
During the year ended December 31, 2015, we derived approximately $112.2 million of revenue from the Empire
State Building’s observatory operations, representing approximately 38.7% of the Empire State Building’s total revenue for this
period. Demand for our observatory is highly dependent on domestic and overseas tourists. In addition, competition from
observatory operations at One World Trade Center and, to a lesser extent, from the observatory at Rockefeller Center, could
have a negative impact on revenues from our observatory operations which could have a material adverse effect on our results
of operations, financial condition and ability to make distributions to our securityholders. Adverse impacts on domestic travel
and changes in foreign currency exchange rates may also decrease demand in the future, which could have a material adverse
effect on our results of operations, financial condition and ability to make distributions to our securityholders.
We may be unable to renew leases, lease vacant space or re-lease space on favorable terms or at all as leases expire, which
could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.
As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately 1.1 million rentable square feet of vacant space (excluding leases
signed but not yet commenced). In addition, leases representing 7.7% and 7.3% of the square footage of the properties in our
portfolio will expire in 2016 and 2017, respectively (including month to month leases). We cannot assure you that expiring
leases will be renewed or that our properties will be re-leased at net effective rental rates equal to or above the current average
net effective rental rates. Above-market rental rates at some of the properties in our portfolio may force us to renew some
expiring leases or re-lease properties at lower rates. If the rental rates of our properties decrease, our existing tenants do not
renew their leases or we do not re-lease a significant portion of our available space and space for which leases will expire, our
financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, per share/unit trading price of our Class A common stock and our traded
OP units and our ability to satisfy our principal and interest obligations and to make distributions to our securityholders would
be materially and adversely affected.
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The actual rents we receive for the properties in our portfolio may be less than our asking rents, and we may experience a
decline in realized rental rates from time to time, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition,
results of operations and cash flow.
As a result of various factors, including competitive pricing pressure in our markets, a general economic downturn and
the desirability of our properties compared to other properties in our markets, we may be unable to realize our asking rents
across the properties in our portfolio. In addition, the degree of discrepancy between our asking rents and the actual rents we
are able to obtain may vary both from property to property and among different leased spaces within a single property. If we
are unable to obtain sufficient rental rates across our portfolio, then our ability to generate cash flow growth will be negatively
impacted. In addition, depending on market rental rates at any given time as compared to expiring leases in our portfolio, from
time to time rental rates for expiring leases may be higher than starting rental rates for new leases.
We are exposed to risks associated with property redevelopment and development that could materially and adversely affect
our financial condition and results of operations.
We have engaged, and continue to engage, in development and redevelopment activities with respect to our Manhattan
office properties. In addition, we own entitled land at the Stamford Transportation Center in Stamford, Connecticut that can
support the development of an approximately 380,000 rentable square foot office building and garage. To the extent that we
continue to engage in development and redevelopment activities, we will be subject to certain risks, including, without
limitation:
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the availability and pricing of financing on favorable terms or at all;
the availability and timely receipt of zoning and other regulatory approvals;
the potential for the fluctuation of occupancy rates and rents at properties due to a number of factors, including market
and economic conditions, which may result in our investment not being profitable;
start up, repositioning and redevelopment costs may be higher than anticipated;
the cost and timely completion of construction (including risks beyond our control, such as weather or labor
conditions, or material shortages);
the potential that we may fail to recover expenses already incurred if we abandon development or redevelopment
opportunities after we begin to explore them;
the potential that we may expend funds on and devote management time to projects which we do not complete;
the inability to complete construction and leasing of a property on schedule, resulting in increased debt service
expense and construction or redevelopment costs; and
the possibility that properties will be leased at below expected rental rates.
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These risks could result in substantial unanticipated delays or expenses and, under certain circumstances, could
prevent the initiation of development and redevelopment activities or the completion of development and redevelopment
activities once undertaken, any of which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, cash
flow, per share/unit trading price of our Class A common stock and our traded OP units and ability to satisfy our principal and
interest obligations and to make distributions to our securityholders.
We may be required to make rent or other concessions and/or significant capital expenditures to improve our properties in
order to retain and attract tenants, which could materially and adversely affect us, including our financial condition, results
of operations and cash flow.
To the extent there are adverse economic conditions in the real estate market and demand for office space decreases,
upon expiration of leases at our properties and with respect to our current vacant space, we will be required to increase rent or
other concessions to tenants, accommodate increased requests for renovations, build-to-suit remodeling and other
improvements or provide additional services to our tenants. In addition, eight of our existing properties are pre-war office
properties, which may require more frequent and costly maintenance to retain existing tenants or attract new tenants than newer
properties. As a result, we would have to make significant capital or other expenditures in order to retain tenants whose leases
expire and to attract new tenants in sufficient numbers. Additionally, we may need to raise capital to make such expenditures.
If we are unable to do so or capital is otherwise unavailable, we may be unable to make the required expenditures. This could
result in non-renewals by tenants upon expiration of their leases and our vacant space remaining untenanted, which could
materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and per share/unit trading price of our
Class A common stock and our traded OP units. As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately 1.1 million rentable square
feet of vacant space (excluding leases signed but not yet commenced), and leases representing 7.7% and 7.3% of the square
footage of the properties in our portfolio will expire in the in 2016 and 2017, respectively (including month to month leases).
We depend on significant tenants in our office portfolio, including Global Brands Group, Coty, Inc., PVH Corp., Thomson
Reuters and LinkedIn, which together represented approximately 15.6% of our total portfolio’s annualized rent as of
December 31, 2015.
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As of December 31, 2015, our five largest tenants together represented 15.6% of our total portfolio’s annualized rent.
Our largest tenant is Global Brands Group. As of December 31, 2015, Global Brands Group leased an aggregate of 0.7 million
rentable square feet of office space at three of our office properties, representing approximately 6.5% of the total rentable
square feet and approximately 6.4% of the annualized rent in our portfolio. Our rental revenue depends on entering into leases
with and collecting rents from tenants. General and regional economic conditions, such as the current challenging economic
climate described above, may adversely affect our major tenants and potential tenants in our markets. Our major tenants may
experience a material business downturn, weakening their financial condition and potentially resulting in their failure to make
timely rental payments and/or a default under their leases. In many cases, we have made substantial up front investments in the
applicable leases, through tenant improvement allowances and other concessions, as well as typical transaction costs (including
professional fees and commissions) that we may not be able to recover. In the event of any tenant default, we may experience
delays in enforcing our rights as landlord and may incur substantial costs in protecting our investment.
The bankruptcy or insolvency of a major tenant also may adversely affect the income produced by our properties. If
any tenant becomes a debtor in a case under the United States Bankruptcy Code of 1978, as amended, we cannot evict the
tenant solely because of the bankruptcy. In addition, the bankruptcy court might authorize the tenant to reject and terminate
their lease with us. The bankruptcy of a tenant or lease guarantor could delay our efforts to collect past due balances under the
relevant leases, and could ultimately preclude collection of these sums. If a lease is rejected by a tenant in bankruptcy, we
would have only a general unsecured claim for damages. Any unsecured claim we hold may be paid only to the extent that
funds are available and only in the same percentage as is paid to all other holders of unsecured claims, and there are restrictions
under bankruptcy laws that limit the amount of the claim we can make if a lease is rejected.
Our revenue and cash flow could be materially adversely affected if any of our significant tenants were to become
bankrupt or insolvent, or suffer a downturn in their business, default under their leases or fail to renew their leases at all or
renew on terms less favorable to us than their current terms.
Competition may impede our ability to attract or retain tenants or re-let space, which could materially and adversely affect
our results of operations and cash flow.
The leasing of real estate in the greater New York metropolitan area is highly competitive. The principal means of
competition are rent charged, location, services provided and the nature and condition of the premises to be leased. We directly
compete with all lessors and developers of similar space in the areas in which our properties are located as well as properties in
other submarkets. Demand for retail space may be impacted by the bankruptcy of retail companies, a general trend toward
consolidation in the retail industry, and the impact of internet retailing which could adversely affect the ability of our company
to attract and retain tenants. In addition, retailers at our properties face increasing competition from outlet malls, discount
shopping clubs, electronic commerce, direct mail and telemarketing, which could (i) reduce rents payable to us, (ii) reduce our
ability to attract and retain tenants at our properties and (iii) lead to increased vacancy rates at our properties, any of which
could materially and adversely affect us.
Our office properties are concentrated in highly developed areas of midtown Manhattan and densely populated
metropolitan communities in Fairfield County and Westchester County. Manhattan is the largest office market in the United
States. The number of competitive office properties in the markets in which our properties are located (which may be newer or
better located than our properties) could have a material adverse effect on our ability to lease office space at our properties, and
on the effective rents we are able to charge.
If our tenants are unable to secure financing necessary to continue to operate their businesses and pay us rent, we could be
materially and adversely affected.
Many of our tenants rely on external sources of financing to operate their businesses. If our tenants are unable to
secure financing necessary to continue to operate their businesses, they may be unable to meet their rent obligations or be
forced to declare bankruptcy and reject their leases, which could materially and adversely affect us.
Our dependence on smaller businesses to rent our office space could materially and adversely affect our cash flow and
results of operations.
The majority of the tenants in our properties (measured by number of tenants as opposed to aggregate square footage)
are smaller businesses that generally do not have the financial strength of larger corporate tenants. Smaller companies
generally experience a higher rate of failure than large businesses. There is a current risk with these companies of a higher rate
of tenant defaults, turnover and bankruptcies, which could materially and adversely affect our distributable cash flow and
results of operations.
Our dependence on rental income may materially and adversely affect our cash flow and results of operations.
A substantial portion of our income is derived from rental income from real property. As a result, our performance
depends on our ability to collect rent from tenants. Our income and funds for distribution would be negatively affected if a
significant number of our tenants, or any of our major tenants (as discussed in more detail below):
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delay lease commencements;
decline to extend or renew leases upon expiration;
fail to make rental payments when due; or
declare bankruptcy.
Any of these actions could result in the termination of the tenants’ leases and the loss of rental income attributable to
the terminated leases. In these events, we cannot be sure that any tenant whose lease expires will renew that lease or that we
will be able to re-lease space on economically advantageous terms or at all. The loss of rental revenues from a number of our
tenants and our inability to replace such tenants may adversely affect our profitability, our ability to meet debt and other
financial obligations and our ability to make distributions to our securityholders.
The broadcasting operations at the Empire State Building are not traditional real estate operations, and competition and
changes in the broadcasting of signals over air may subject us to additional risks, which could materially and adversely
affect us.
The Empire State Building and its broadcasting mast provides radio and data communications services and supports
delivery of broadcasting signals to cable and satellite systems and television and radio receivers. We license the use of the
broadcasting mast to third party television and radio broadcasters. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we derived
approximately $20.9 million, of revenue (excluding tenant reimbursement income) from the Empire State Building’s
broadcasting licenses and related leased space, representing approximately 7.2% of the Empire State Building’s total revenue
for this period. Competition from broadcasting operations at One World Trade Center and, to a lesser extent, from the
broadcasting operations at Four Times Square, could have a negative impact on revenues from our broadcasting operations, and
require lease renewal proposals which could yield reduced revenue, higher operating expenses and/ or higher capital
expenditures. Our broadcast television and radio licensees also face a range of competition from advances in technologies and
alternative methods of content delivery in their respective industries, as well as from changes in consumer behavior driven by
new technologies and methods of content delivery, which may reduce the demand for over-the-air broadcast licenses in the
future. New government regulations affecting broadcasters, including the implementation of the Federal Communications
Commission's (the "FCC") National Broadband Plan, (the "FCC Plan"), also might materially and adversely affect our results
of operations by reducing the demand for broadcast licenses. Among other things, the FCC Plan urges Congress to make more
spectrum available for wireless broadband service providers by encouraging over-the-air broadcast licensees to relinquish
spectrum through a voluntary auction process, which raises many issues that could impact the broadcast industry. At this time
we cannot predict whether Congress or the FCC will adopt or implement any of the FCC Plan’s recommendations or the rule
changes as proposed, or how any such actions might affect our broadcasting operations. Any of these risks might materially
and adversely affect us.
We may not be able to control our operating costs, or our expenses may remain constant or increase, even if income from
our properties decreases, causing our results of operations to be adversely affected.
Our financial results depend substantially on leasing space in our properties to tenants on terms favorable to us. Costs
associated with real estate investment, such as real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs, generally are not reduced
even when a property is not fully occupied, rental rates decrease or other circumstances cause a reduction in income from the
property. As a result, cash flow from the operations of our properties may be reduced if a tenant does not pay its rent or we are
unable to rent our properties on favorable terms. Under those circumstances, we might not be able to enforce our rights as
landlord without delays and may incur substantial legal costs. The terms of our leases may also limit our ability to charge our
tenants for all or a portion of these expenses. Additionally, new properties that we may acquire or redevelop may not produce
significant revenue immediately, and the cash flow from existing operations may be insufficient to pay the operating expenses
and principal and interest on debt associated with such properties until they are fully leased.
Our breach of or the expiration of our ground leases could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.
Our interest in three of our commercial office properties, 1350 Broadway, 111 West 33rd Street (formerly known as
112 West 34th Street) and 1400 Broadway are long-term leaseholds of the land and the improvements, rather than a fee interest
in the land and the improvements. If we are found to be in breach of these ground leases, we could lose the right to use the
properties. In addition, unless we purchase the underlying fee interest in these properties or extend the terms of our leases for
these properties before expiration on terms significantly comparable to our current leases, we will lose our right to operate
these properties and our leasehold interests in these properties upon expiration of the leases or we will continue to operate them
at much lower profitability, which would significantly adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, if we are perceived
to have breached the terms of these leases, the fee owner may initiate proceedings to terminate the leases. The long-term leases,
including unilateral extension rights available to us, expire, on July 31, 2050 for 1350 Broadway, December 31, 2063 for 1400
Broadway and June 10, 2077 for 111 West 33rd Street (formerly known as 112 West 34th Street).
Pursuant to the ground leases, we, as tenant under the ground leases, perform the functions traditionally performed by
owners, as landlords, with respect to our subtenants. In addition to collecting rent from our subtenants, we also maintain the
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properties and pay expenses relating to the properties. We do not have a right, pursuant to the terms of our leases or otherwise,
to acquire the fee interests in these properties.
We will not recognize any increase in the value of the land or improvements subject to our ground leases, and we may only
receive a portion of compensation paid in any eminent domain proceeding with respect to these properties, which could
materially and adversely affect us.
We have no economic interest in the land or improvements at the expiration of our ground leases at 1350 Broadway,
111 West 33rd Street (formerly known as 112 West 34th Street) and 1400 Broadway, and therefore we will not share in any
increase in value of the land or improvements beyond the term of our ground leases, notwithstanding our capital outlay to
purchase our interest in the properties. Furthermore, if the state or federal government seizes the properties subject to the
ground leases under its eminent domain power, we may only be entitled to a portion of any compensation awarded for the
seizure. In addition, if the value of the properties has increased, it may be more expensive for us to renew our ground leases.
We may be unable to identify and successfully complete acquisitions and even if acquisitions are identified and completed,
we may fail to operate successfully acquired properties, which could materially and adversely affect us and impede our
growth.
Our current portfolio consists entirely of properties that we acquired (or received the right to acquire) in connection
with the formation transactions. Our ability to identify and acquire additional properties on favorable terms and successfully
operate or redevelop them may be exposed to the following significant risks:
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even if we enter into agreements for the acquisition of properties, these agreements are subject to customary
conditions to closing, including completion of due diligence investigations to our satisfaction and other conditions that
are not within our control, which may not be satisfied, and we may be unable to complete an acquisition after making
a non-refundable deposit and incurring certain other acquisition-related costs;
• we may be unable to finance the acquisition on favorable terms in the time period we desire, or at all;
• we may spend more than budgeted to make necessary improvements or redevelopments to acquired properties;
• we may not be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage for new properties;
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acquired properties may be located in new markets where we may face risks associated with a lack of market
knowledge or understanding of the local economy, lack of business relationships in the area and unfamiliarity with
local governmental and permitting procedures;
• we may be unable to integrate quickly and efficiently new acquisitions, particularly acquisitions of portfolios of
properties, into our existing operations, and as a result our results of operations and financial condition could be
adversely affected;
• market conditions may result in higher than expected vacancy rates and lower than expected rental rates; and
• we may incur significant costs and divert management attention in connection with evaluating and negotiating
potential acquisitions, including ones that we are subsequently unable to complete.
Any delay or failure on our part to identify, negotiate, finance and consummate such acquisitions in a timely manner
and on favorable terms, or operate acquired properties to meet our financial expectations, could impede our growth and
adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and per share/unit trading price of our Class A common
stock and traded OP units.
Competition for acquisitions may reduce the number of acquisition opportunities available to us and increase the costs of
those acquisitions, which may impede our growth.
We plan to acquire properties as we are presented with attractive opportunities. We may face significant competition
for acquisition opportunities in the greater New York metropolitan area with other investors, particularly private investors who
can incur more leverage, and this competition may adversely affect us by subjecting us to the following risks:
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an inability to acquire a desired property because of competition from other well-capitalized real estate investors,
including publicly traded and privately held REITs, private real estate funds, domestic and foreign financial
institutions, life insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, pension trusts, commercial developers, partnerships and
individual investors; and
an increase in the purchase price for such acquisition property, in the event we are able to acquire such desired
property.
The significant competition for acquisitions of commercial office and retail properties in the greater New York
metropolitan area may impede our growth.
Acquired properties may expose us to unknown liability, which could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flow
and the market value of our securities.
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We may acquire properties subject to liabilities and without any recourse, or with only limited recourse, against the
prior owners or other third parties with respect to unknown liabilities. As a result, if a liability were asserted against us based
upon ownership of those properties, we might have to pay substantial sums to settle or contest it, which could adversely affect
our results of operations, cash flow and the market value of our securities. Unknown liabilities with respect to acquired
properties might include:
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liabilities for clean-up of undisclosed environmental contamination;
claims by tenants, vendors or other persons against the former owners of the properties;
liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business; and
claims for indemnification by general partners, directors, officers and others indemnified by the former owners of the
properties.
We may acquire properties or portfolios of properties through tax deferred contribution transactions, which could result in
securityholder dilution and limit our ability to sell such assets.
In the future we may acquire properties or portfolios of properties through tax deferred contribution transactions in
exchange for partnership interests in our operating partnership, which may result in stockholder/unitholder dilution. This
acquisition structure may have the effect of, among other things, reducing the amount of tax depreciation we could deduct over
the tax life of the acquired properties, and may require that we agree to protect the contributors’ ability to defer recognition of
taxable gain through restrictions on our ability to dispose of the acquired properties and/or the allocation of partnership debt to
the contributors to maintain their tax bases. These restrictions could limit our ability to sell an asset at a time, or on terms, that
would be favorable absent such restrictions.
Should we decide at some point in the future to expand into new markets, we may not be successful, which could adversely
affect our financial condition, result of operations, cash flow and trading price of our Class A common stock and traded OP
units.
If opportunities arise, we may explore acquisitions of properties in new markets. Each of the risks applicable to our
ability to acquire and integrate successfully and operate properties in our current markets is also applicable to our ability to
acquire and integrate successfully and operate properties in new markets. In addition to these risks, we will not possess the
same level of familiarity with the dynamics and market conditions of any new markets that we may enter, which could
adversely affect the results of our expansion into those markets, and we may be unable to build a significant market share or
achieve a desired return on our investments in new markets. If we are unsuccessful in expanding into new markets, it could
adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, trading price of our Class A common stock and traded
OP units and ability to satisfy our principal and interest obligations and to make distributions to our securityholders.
Our growth depends on external sources of capital that are outside of our control, which may affect our ability to seize
strategic opportunities, satisfy debt obligations and make distributions to our securityholders.
In order to qualify as a REIT, we must distribute to our securityholders, on an annual basis, at least 90% of our REIT
taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for distributions paid and excluding net capital gains. In addition,
we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates to the extent that we distribute less than 100% of our net
taxable income (including net capital gains) and will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount by which our
distributions in any calendar year are less than a minimum amount specified under U.S. federal income tax laws. Because of
these distribution requirements, we may not be able to fund future capital needs, including any necessary acquisition financing,
from operating cash flow. Consequently, we may need to rely on third-party sources to fund our capital needs. We may not be
able to obtain financing on favorable terms, in the time period we desire, or at all. Any additional debt we incur will increase
our leverage. Our access to third-party sources of capital depends, in part, on:
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general market conditions;
the market’s perception of our growth potential;
our current debt levels;
our current and expected future earnings;
our cash flow and cash distributions; and
the market price per share/unit of our Class A common stock and traded OP units.
If we cannot obtain capital from third-party sources, we may not be able to acquire or redevelop properties when
strategic opportunities exist, satisfy our principal and interest obligations or make the cash distributions to our securityholders
necessary to maintain our qualification as a REIT.
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If we are unable to sell, dispose of or refinance one or more properties in the future, we may be unable to realize our
investment objectives, and our business may be adversely affected.
The real estate investments made, and to be made, by us are relatively difficult to sell quickly. Return of capital and
realization of gains from an investment generally will occur upon disposition or refinancing of the underlying property. In
addition, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), imposes restrictions on the ability of a REIT to dispose
of properties that are not applicable to other types of real estate companies. We may be unable to realize our investment
objectives by sale, other disposition or refinancing at attractive prices within any given period of time or may otherwise be
unable to complete any exit strategy. In particular, these risks could arise from weakness in or even the lack of an established
market for a property, changes in the financial condition or prospects of prospective purchasers, changes in national or
international economic conditions and changes in laws, regulations or fiscal policies of jurisdictions in which our properties are
located.
Our outstanding indebtedness reduces cash available for distribution and may expose us to the risk of default under our
debt obligations and may include covenants that restrict our financial and operational flexibility and our ability to make
distributions.
As of December 31, 2015, our total consolidated indebtedness was approximately $1.6 billion. We may incur
significant additional debt to finance future acquisition and redevelopment activities. Payments of principal and interest on
borrowings may leave us with insufficient cash resources to operate our properties or to pay the distributions currently
contemplated or necessary to qualify as a REIT. Our level of debt and the limitations imposed on us by our loan documents
could have significant adverse consequences, including the following:
our cash flow may be insufficient to meet our required principal and interest payments;
•
• we may be unable to borrow additional funds as needed or on favorable terms;
• we may be unable to refinance our indebtedness at maturity or the refinancing terms may be less favorable than the
•
terms of our original indebtedness;
to the extent we borrow debt that bears interest at variable rates, increases in interest rates could materially increase
our interest expense;
• we may be forced to dispose of one or more of our properties, possibly on disadvantageous terms;
• we may default on our obligations or violate restrictive covenants, in which case the lenders or mortgagees may
accelerate our debt obligations, foreclose on the properties that secure their loans and/or take control of our properties
that secure their loans and collect rents and other property income;
• we may violate restrictive covenants in our loan documents, which would entitle the lenders to accelerate our debt
•
obligations or reduce our ability to make, or prohibit us from making, distributions; and
our default under any one of our mortgage loans with cross default provisions could result in a default on other
indebtedness.
In addition, our unsecured revolving credit facility, our Series A, Series B and Series C senior notes and our senior
unsecured term loan facility requires us to maintain designated ratios, including but not limited to, total debt-to-assets, secured
debt-to-assets, adjusted EBITDA to consolidated fixed charges, net operating income from unencumbered properties to interest
expense on unsecured debt, unsecured debt to unencumbered assets and secured recourse debt-to-assets, and contains a
minimum tangible net worth requirement. Our unsecured revolving credit facility, our Series A, Series B and Series C senior
notes and our senior unsecured term loan facility do not generally contain restrictions on the payment of dividends or other
distributions. The indenture governing our outstanding senior unsecured notes, our Series A, Series B and Series C senior notes
and our senior unsecured term loan facility do not contain financial or operational covenants or restrictions on the payments of
dividends; however, upon the occurrence of fundamental changes described in the indenture, holders of our outstanding senior
unsecured notes, our Series A, Series B and Series C senior notes and our senior unsecured term loan facility may require our
operating partnership to repurchase for cash all or part of their notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal
amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, subject to certain conditions. Further, upon the
occurrence of any make-whole fundamental change described in the indenture, the exchange rate for holders who exchange
their notes in connection with any such make-whole fundamental change may be increased. See "Item 7. Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources."
The provisions in the partnership agreement of our operating partnership that govern the preferred units may restrict
our ability to pay dividends if we fail to pay the cumulative preferential cash distributions thereon. See "Item 7. Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Private Perpetual Preferred Units.”
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If any one of these events were to occur, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, per share/unit trading
price of our Class A common stock and traded OP units and our ability to satisfy our principal, interest and preferred unit
distribution obligations and to make distributions to our securityholders could be adversely affected. In addition, in connection
with our debt agreements we may enter into lockbox and cash management agreements pursuant to which substantially all of
the income generated by our properties will be deposited directly into lockbox accounts and then swept into cash management
accounts for the benefit of our various lenders and from which cash will be distributed to us only after funding of improvement,
leasing and maintenance reserves and the payment of principal and interest on our debt, insurance, taxes, operating expenses
and extraordinary capital expenditures and leasing expenses. As a result, we may be forced to borrow additional funds in order
to make distributions to our securityholders (including, potentially, to make distributions necessary to allow us to qualify as a
REIT). See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and
Capital Resources."
Mortgage debt obligations expose us to the possibility of foreclosure, which could result in the loss of our investment in a
property or group of properties subject to mortgage debt.
Incurring mortgage and other secured debt obligations increases our risk of property losses because defaults on
indebtedness secured by properties may result in foreclosure actions initiated by lenders and ultimately our loss of the property
securing any loans for which we are in default. Any foreclosure on a mortgaged property or group of properties could
adversely affect the overall value of our portfolio of properties. For tax purposes, a foreclosure of any of our properties that is
subject to a nonrecourse mortgage loan would be treated as a sale of the property for a purchase price equal to the outstanding
balance of the debt secured by the mortgage. If the outstanding balance of the debt secured by the mortgage exceeds our tax
basis in the property, we would recognize taxable income on foreclosure, but would not receive any cash proceeds, which could
hinder our ability to meet the distribution requirements applicable to REITs under the Code. Foreclosures could also trigger our
tax indemnification obligations under the terms of our agreements with certain continuing investors with respect to sales of
certain properties, and obligate us to make certain levels of indebtedness available for them to guarantee which.
High mortgage rates and/or unavailability of mortgage debt may make it difficult for us to finance or refinance properties,
which could reduce the number of properties we can acquire, our net income and the amount of cash distributions we can
make.
If mortgage debt is unavailable at reasonable rates, we may not be able to finance the purchase of properties. If we
place mortgage debt on properties, we may be unable to refinance the properties when the loans become due, or to refinance on
favorable terms. If interest rates are higher when we refinance our properties, our income could be reduced. If any of these
events occur, our cash flow could be reduced. This, in turn, could reduce cash available for distribution to our securityholders
and may hinder our ability to raise more capital by issuing more stock or by borrowing more money. In addition, to the extent
we are unable to refinance the properties when the loans become due, we will have fewer debt guarantee opportunities
available to offer under our tax protection agreement. If we are unable to offer certain guarantee opportunities to the protected
parties under the tax protection agreement, or otherwise are unable to allocate sufficient liabilities of our operating partnership
to those parties, it could trigger an indemnification obligation of our company under the tax protection agreement.
Some of our financing arrangements involve balloon payment obligations, which may adversely affect our ability to make
distributions.
As of December 31, 2015, we had total debt outstanding of approximately $1.6 billion. As of December 31, 2015, we
had no debt maturing in 2016 and approximately $355.8 million of debt maturing in 2017. As of December 31, 2015, we had
13 mortgage loans outstanding secured by 11 of our properties. As of December 31, 2015, these loans had an aggregate
estimated principal balance at maturity of approximately $735.1 million with maturity dates ranging from 2017 through 2024.
See Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements for required payments of our indebtedness. Our financing arrangements
require us to make a lump-sum or "balloon" payment at maturity. Our ability to make a balloon payment at maturity is
uncertain and may depend upon our ability to obtain additional financing or our ability to sell the property. At the time the
balloon payment is due, we may or may not be able to refinance the existing financing on terms as favorable as the original
loan or sell the property at a price sufficient to make the balloon payment. The effect of a refinancing or sale could affect the
rate of return to securityholders and the projected time of disposition of our assets. In addition, payments of principal and
interest made to service our debts may leave us with insufficient cash to make distributions necessary to meet the distribution
requirements applicable to REITs under the Code.
Our degree of leverage and the lack of a limitation on the amount of indebtedness we may incur could materially and
adversely affect us.
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Our organizational documents do not contain any limitation on the amount of indebtedness we may incur. We
consider factors other than debt-to-EBITDA in making decisions regarding the incurrence of indebtedness, such as the purchase
price of properties to be acquired with debt financing, the estimated market value of our properties upon refinancing and the
ability of particular properties and our business as a whole to generate cash flow to cover expected debt service.
Our degree of leverage could affect our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures,
acquisitions, development or other general corporate purposes. Our degree of leverage could also make us more vulnerable to a
downturn in business or the economy generally. If we become more leveraged in the future, the resulting increase in debt
service requirements could cause us to default on our obligations, which could materially and adversely affect us.
Our tax protection agreement could limit our ability either to sell certain properties or to engage in a strategic transaction,
or to reduce our level of indebtedness, which could materially and adversely affect us.
In connection with the formation transactions, we entered into a tax protection agreement with Anthony E. Malkin and
Peter L. Malkin pursuant to which we have agreed to indemnify the Malkin Group and one additional third party investor in
Metro Center (who was one of the original landowners and was involved in the development of the property) against certain tax
liabilities if those tax liabilities result from (i) the operating partnership’s sale, transfer, conveyance, or other taxable disposition
of four specified properties (First Stamford Place, Metro Center, 10 Bank Street and 1542 Third Avenue) acquired by the
operating partnership in 2013 for a period of 12 years with respect to First Stamford Place and for the later of (x) October 2021
or (y) the death of both Peter L. Malkin and Isabel W. Malkin who are 82 and 79 years old, respectively, for the three other
properties, (ii) the operating partnership failing to maintain until maturity the indebtedness secured by those properties or
failing to use commercially reasonable efforts to refinance such indebtedness upon maturity in an amount equal to the principal
balance of such indebtedness, or, if the operating partnership is unable to refinance such indebtedness at its current principal
amount, at the highest principal amount possible, or (iii) the operating partnership failing to make available to any of these
continuing investors the opportunity to guarantee, or otherwise bear the risk of loss, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, of
their allocable share of $160 million of aggregate indebtedness meeting certain requirements, until such continuing investor
owns less than the aggregate number of operating partnership units and shares of common stock equal to 50% of the aggregate
number of such units and shares such continuing investor received in the formation transactions. If we were to trigger our tax
indemnification obligations under these agreements, we would be required to pay damages for the resulting tax consequences
to the Malkin Group, and we have acknowledged that a calculation of damages will not be based on the time value of money or
the time remaining within the restricted period. Moreover, these obligations may restrict our ability to engage in a strategic
transaction. In addition, these obligations may require us to maintain more or different indebtedness than we would otherwise
require for our business.
The continuing threat of a terrorist event may materially and adversely affect our properties, their value and our ability to
generate cash flow.
There may be a decrease in demand for space in Manhattan and the greater New York metropolitan area because it is
considered at risk for a future terrorist event, and this decrease may reduce our revenues from property rentals. In the aftermath
of a terrorist event, tenants in Manhattan and the greater New York metropolitan area may choose to relocate their businesses to
less populated, lower-profile areas of the United States that are not as likely to be targets of future terrorist activity. This in turn
could trigger a decrease in the demand for space in Manhattan and the greater New York metropolitan area, which could
increase vacancies in our properties and force us to lease our properties on less favorable terms. Further, certain of our
properties, including the Empire State Building, may be considered to be susceptible to increased risks of a future terrorist
event due to the high-profile nature of the property. In addition, a terrorist event could cause insurance premiums at certain of
our properties to increase significantly. As a result, the value of our properties and the level of our revenues could materially
decline.
Potential losses, such as those from adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, terrorist events and title claims, may not
be fully covered by our insurance policies, and such losses could materially and adversely affect us.
Our business operations are susceptible to, and could be significantly affected by, adverse weather conditions, terrorist
events and natural disasters that could cause significant damage to the properties in our portfolio. Our insurance may not be
adequate to cover business interruption or losses resulting from such events. In addition, our insurance policies include
substantial self-insurance portions and significant deductibles and co-payments for such events, and hurricanes in the United
States have affected the availability and price of such insurance. As a result, we may incur significant costs in the event of
adverse weather conditions, terrorist events and natural disasters. We may discontinue certain insurance coverage on some or
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all of our properties in the future if the cost of premiums for any of these policies in our judgment exceeds the value of the
coverage discounted for the risk of loss.
We carry comprehensive liability, fire, extended coverage, earthquake, terrorism and rental loss insurance covering all
of our Manhattan properties and our greater New York metropolitan area properties under a blanket policy. We carry additional
all-risk property and business insurance, which includes terrorism insurance, on the Empire State Building through ESRT
Captive Insurance Company L.L.C., or ESRT Captive Insurance, our wholly owned captive insurance company. ESRT Captive
Insurance covers terrorism insurance for $800 million in losses in excess of $800 million per occurrence suffered by the Empire
State Building, providing us with aggregate terrorism coverage of $1.6 billion at that property. ESRT Captive Insurance fully
reinsures the 15% coinsurance under the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2015 (TRIPRA) and the
difference between the TRIPRA captive deductible and policy deductible of $25,000 for non-Nuclear, Biological, Chemical and
Radiological exposures. As a result, we remain only liable for the 15% coinsurance under TRIPRA for Nuclear, Biological,
Chemical and Radiological (NBCR) exposures, as well as a deductible equal to 20% of the prior year’s premium. As long as we
own ESRT Captive Insurance, we are responsible for ESRT Captive Insurance’s liquidity and capital resources, and ESRT
Captive Insurance’s accounts are part of our consolidated financial statements. If we experience a loss and our captive
insurance company is required to pay under its insurance policy, we would ultimately record the loss to the extent of its
required payment. The policies described above cover certified terrorism losses as defined under the Terrorism Risk Insurance
Act of 2002 (TRIA) and subsequent extensions. On January 12, 2015, the President of the United States signed into law
TRIPRA, which extends TRIA through December 31, 2020. TRIA provides for a system of shared public and private
compensation for insured losses resulting from acts of terrorism. As a result, the certified terrorism coverage provided by ESRT
Captive Insurance is eligible for 85% coinsurance provided by the United States Treasury in excess of a statutorily calculated
deductible. ESRT Captive Insurance reinsures 100% of their 15% coinsurance for non-NBCR exposures. The 15% coinsurance
on NBCR exposures is retained by ESRT Captive Insurance.
TRIA was not in effect for the period from January 1, 2015 through January 11, 2015. During this brief period of time,
ESRT carried a reduced terrorism insurance limit, which we believed was commercially acceptable under the circumstances.
Reinsurance contracts do not relieve ESRT Captive Insurance from its primary obligations to its policyholders.
Additionally, failure of the various reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in significant losses to ESRT Captive
Insurance. The reinsurance has been ceded to reinsurers approved by the State of Vermont. ESRT Captive Insurance continually
evaluates the reinsurers’ financial condition by considering published financial stability ratings of the reinsurers and other
factors. There can be no assurance that reinsurance will continue to be available to ESRT Captive Insurance to the same extent
and at the same cost. ESRT Captive Insurance may choose in the future to reevaluate the use of reinsurance to increase or
decrease the amounts of risk it cedes.
In addition to insurance held through our captive insurance company described above, we carry terrorism insurance on
all of our properties in an amount and with deductibles which we believe are commercially reasonable.
Furthermore, we do not carry insurance for certain losses, including, but not limited to, losses caused by war. In
addition, while our title insurance policies insure for the current aggregate market value of our portfolio, we do not intend to
increase our title insurance policies as the market value of our portfolio increases. As a result, we may not have sufficient
coverage against all losses that we may experience, including from adverse title claims.
If we experience a loss that is uninsured or which exceeds our policy limits, we could incur significant costs and lose
the capital invested in the damaged properties as well as the anticipated future cash flows from those properties. In addition, if
the damaged properties are subject to recourse indebtedness, we would continue to be liable for the indebtedness, even if these
properties were irreparably damaged.
In addition, certain of our properties could not be rebuilt to their existing height or size at their existing location under
current land-use laws and policies. In the event that we experience a substantial or comprehensive loss of one of our properties,
we may not be able to rebuild such property to its existing specifications and otherwise may have to upgrade such property to
meet current code requirements.
Our debt instruments, consisting of mortgage loans secured by our properties (which are generally non-recourse to us),
ground leases, our unsecured term loan and our unsecured revolving credit facility, contain customary covenants requiring us to
maintain insurance, including terrorism insurance. While we do not believe it will be likely, there can be no assurance that the
lenders or ground lessors under these instruments will not take the position that a total or partial exclusion from “all-risk”
insurance coverage for losses due to terrorist acts is a breach of these debt and ground lease instruments that allows the lenders
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or ground lessors to declare an event of default and accelerate repayment of debt or recapture of ground lease positions for
those properties in our portfolio which are not insured against terrorist events. In addition, if lenders insist on full coverage for
these risks and prevail in asserting that we are required to maintain such coverage, it could result in substantially higher
insurance premiums.
Certain mortgages on our properties contain requirements concerning the financial ratings of the insurers who provide
policies covering the property. We provide the lenders on a regular basis with the identity of the insurance companies in our
insurance programs. While the ratings of our insurers currently satisfy the rating requirements in some of our loan agreements,
in the future, we may be unable to obtain insurance with insurers which satisfy the rating requirements which could give rise to
an event of default under such loan agreements. Additionally, in the future our ability to obtain debt financing secured by
individual properties, or the terms of such financing, may be adversely affected if lenders generally insist on ratings for insurers
which are difficult to obtain or which result in a commercially unreasonable premium.
We may become subject to liability relating to environmental and health and safety matters, which could have a material
and adverse effect on us.
Under various federal, state and/or local laws, ordinances and regulations, as a current or former owner or operator of
real property, we may be liable for costs and damages resulting from the presence or release of hazardous substances, waste, or
petroleum products at, on, in, under or from such property, including costs for investigation or remediation, natural resource
damages, or third party liability for personal injury or property damage. These laws often impose liability without regard to
whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence or release of such materials, and the liability may
be joint and several. Some of our properties have been or may be impacted by contamination arising from current or prior uses
of the property or adjacent properties for commercial, industrial or other purposes. Such contamination may arise from spills of
petroleum or hazardous substances or releases from tanks used to store such materials. We also may be liable for the costs of
remediating contamination at off-site disposal or treatment facilities when we arrange for disposal or treatment of hazardous
substances at such facilities, without regard to whether we comply with environmental laws in doing so. The presence of
contamination or the failure to remediate contamination on our properties may adversely affect our ability to attract and/or
retain tenants and our ability to develop or sell or borrow against those properties. In addition to potential liability for cleanup
costs, private plaintiffs may bring claims for personal injury, property damage or for similar reasons. Environmental laws also
may create liens on contaminated sites in favor of the government for damages and costs it incurs to address such
contamination. Moreover, if contamination is discovered on our properties, environmental laws may impose restrictions on the
manner in which that property may be used or how businesses may be operated on that property. For example, our property at
69-97 Main Street is subject to an Environmental Land Use Restriction that imposes certain restrictions on the use, occupancy
and activities of the affected land beneath the property. This restriction may prevent us from conducting certain redevelopment
activities at the property, which may adversely affect its resale value and may adversely affect our ability to finance or
refinance this property. See “Item 1. Business - Environmental Matters.”
Some of our properties are adjacent to or near other properties used for industrial or commercial purposes or that have
contained or currently contain underground storage tanks used to store petroleum products or other hazardous or toxic
substances. Releases from these properties could impact our properties. In addition, some of our properties have previously
been used by former owners or tenants for commercial or industrial activities, e.g., gas stations and dry cleaners, and a portion
of the Metro Tower site is currently used for automobile parking and fueling, that may release petroleum products or other
hazardous or toxic substances at such properties or to surrounding properties.
In addition, our properties are subject to various federal, state and local environmental and health and safety laws and
regulations. Noncompliance with these environmental and health and safety laws and regulations could subject us or our
tenants to liability. These liabilities could affect a tenant’s ability to make rental payments to us. Moreover, changes in laws
could increase the potential costs of compliance with such laws and regulations or increase liability for noncompliance. This
may result in significant unanticipated expenditures or may otherwise materially and adversely affect our operations, or those
of our tenants, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on us.
As the owner or operator of real property, we may also incur liability based on various building conditions. For
example, buildings and other structures on properties that we currently own or operate or those we acquire or operate in the
future contain, may contain, or may have contained, asbestos-containing material, or ACM. Environmental and health and
safety laws require that ACM be properly managed and maintained and may impose fines or penalties on owners, operators or
employers for non-compliance with those requirements. These requirements include special precautions, such as removal,
abatement or air monitoring, if ACM would be disturbed during maintenance, redevelopment or demolition of a building,
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potentially resulting in substantial costs. In addition, we may be subject to liability for personal injury or property damage
sustained as a result of releases of ACM into the environment.
In addition, our properties may contain or develop harmful mold or suffer from other indoor air quality issues, which
could lead to liability for adverse health effects or property damage or costs for remediation. When excessive moisture
accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth may occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains
undiscovered or is not addressed over a period of time. Some molds may produce airborne toxins or irritants. Indoor air
quality issues can also stem from inadequate ventilation, chemical contamination from indoor or outdoor sources, and other
biological contaminants such as pollen, viruses and bacteria. Indoor exposure to airborne toxins or irritants above certain levels
can be alleged to cause a variety of adverse health effects and symptoms, including allergic or other reactions. As a result, the
presence of significant mold or other airborne contaminants at any of our properties could require us to undertake a costly
remediation program to contain or remove the mold or other airborne contaminants from the affected property or increase
indoor ventilation. In addition, the presence of significant mold or other airborne contaminants could expose us to liability
from our tenants, employees of our tenants or others if property damage or personal injury occurs.
We cannot assure you that costs or liabilities incurred as a result of environmental issues will not affect our ability to
make distributions to our securityholders or that such costs, liabilities, or other remedial measures will not have a material
adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Failure to hedge interest rates effectively could have a material and adverse effect on us.
We may seek to manage our exposure to interest rate volatility by using interest rate hedging arrangements that
involve risk, such as the risk that counterparties may fail to honor their obligations under these arrangements, and that these
arrangements may not be effective in reducing our exposure to interest rate changes. Moreover, there can be no assurance that
our hedging arrangements will qualify for hedge accounting or that our hedging activities will have the desired beneficial
impact on our results of operations. Should we desire to terminate a hedging agreement, there could be significant costs and
cash requirements involved to fulfill our initial obligation under the hedging agreement. Failure to hedge effectively against
interest rate changes may adversely affect our results of operations.
When a hedging agreement is required under the terms of a mortgage loan, it is often a condition that the hedge
counterparty maintains a specified credit rating. When there is volatility in the financial markets, there is an increased risk that
hedge counterparties could have their credit rating downgraded to a level that would not be acceptable under the loan
provisions. If we were unable to renegotiate the credit rating condition with the lender or find an alternative counterparty with
acceptable credit rating, we could be in default under the loan and the lender could seize that property through foreclosure.
We may incur significant costs complying with the ADA and similar laws, which could adversely affect our financial
condition, results of operations, cash flow and per share/unit trading price of our Class A common stock and traded OP
units.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or the ADA, all public accommodations must meet federal
requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. We have not conducted a recent audit or investigation of all of our
properties to determine our compliance with the ADA. If one or more of the properties in our portfolio is not in compliance
with the ADA, we would be required to incur additional costs to bring the property into compliance. Additional federal, state
and local laws also may require modifications to our properties, or restrict our ability to renovate our properties. We cannot
predict the ultimate cost of compliance with the ADA or other legislation. If we incur substantial costs to comply with the ADA
and any other legislation, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, per share/unit trading price of our Class A
common stock and traded OP units and our ability to satisfy our principal and interest obligations and to make distributions to
our securityholders could be adversely affected.
Our property taxes could increase due to property tax rate changes or reassessment, which could impact our cash flows.
Even if we qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we will be required to pay state and local taxes on
our properties. The real property taxes on our properties may increase as property tax rates change or as our properties are
assessed or reassessed by taxing authorities. Therefore, the amount of property taxes we pay in the future may increase
substantially from what we have paid in the past. If the property taxes we pay increase, our financial condition, results of
operations, cash flows, per share trading price of our Class A common stock and our ability to satisfy our principal and interest
obligations and to make distributions to our securityholders could be adversely affected.
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We may become subject to litigation, which could have a material and adverse effect on our financial condition, results of
operations, cash flow and per share/unit trading price of our Class A common stock and our traded OP units.
In the future we may become subject to litigation, including claims relating to our operations, offerings, and otherwise
in the ordinary course of business. Some of these claims may result in significant defense costs and potentially significant
judgments against us, some of which are not, or cannot be, insured against. We generally intend to defend ourselves
vigorously; however, we cannot be certain of the ultimate outcomes of any claims that may arise in the future. Resolution of
these types of matters against us may result in our having to pay significant fines, judgments, or settlements, which, if
uninsured, or if the fines, judgments, and settlements exceed insured levels, could adversely impact our earnings and cash
flows, thereby having an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and per share/unit trading
price of our Class A common stock and our traded OP units. Certain litigation or the resolution of certain litigation may affect
the availability or cost of some of our insurance coverage, which could adversely impact our results of operations and cash
flows, expose us to increased risks that would be uninsured, and/or adversely impact our ability to attract officers and directors.
There is currently litigation pending, and the potential for additional litigation, associated with the consolidation. We may incur
costs from these litigations. Please see Footnote 10 “Commitments and Contingencies” to the financial statements of this
Annual Report in Form 10-K for a description of such legal proceedings.
We face risks relating to cybersecurity attacks that could cause loss of confidential information and other business
disruptions.
We rely extensively on computer systems to process transactions and manage our business, and our business is at risk
from and may be impacted by cybersecurity attacks. These could include attempts to gain unauthorized access to our data and
computer systems. Attacks can be both individual and/or highly organized attempts organized by very sophisticated hacking
organizations. We employ a number of measures to prevent, detect and mitigate these threats, which include password
protection, frequent password change events, firewall detection systems, frequent backups, a redundant data system for core
applications and annual penetration testing; however, there is no guarantee such efforts will be successful in preventing a
cybersecurity attack. A cybersecurity attack could compromise the confidential information of our employees, tenants and
vendors. A successful attack could disrupt and affect the business operations.
Risks Related to Our Organization and Structure
Holders of our Class B common stock have a significant vote in matters submitted to a vote of our securityholders.
As part of our formation, original investors were offered the opportunity to contribute their interests to us in exchange
for Class A common stock, operating partnership units, a combination of one share of Class B common stock for each 50
operating partnership units to which an investor was entitled, resulting in one share of Class B common stock and 49 operating
partnership units, or a combination of any of the above. Each outstanding share of Class B common stock entitles the holder
thereof to 50 votes on all matters on which Class A common securityholders are entitled to vote, including the election of
directors. Holders of our Class B common stock are entitled to share equally, on a per share basis, in all distributions payable
with respect to shares of our Class A common stock. Holders of our Class B common stock may have interests that differ from
those holders of our Class A common stock, including by reason of their interest in our operating partnership, and may
accordingly vote as a stockholder in ways that may not be consistent with the interests of holders of our Class A common stock.
This significant voting influence over certain matters may have the effect of delaying, preventing or deterring a change of
control of our company, or could deprive holders of our Class A common stock of an opportunity to receive a premium for their
Class A common stock as part of a sale of our company. Class B common stock has been issued only in connection with the
formation transactions as described above, and any such share is automatically converted to a share of Class A common stock
(having a single vote) upon its holder conveying the related 49 operating partnership units to any person other than a family
member, affiliate or controlled entity of such person.
The departure of any of our key personnel could materially and adversely affect us.
Our success depends on the efforts of key personnel, particularly Anthony E. Malkin, our Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer. Among the reasons Anthony E. Malkin is important to our success is that he has a national industry
reputation that benefits us in many ways. He has led the acquisition, operating and repositioning of our assets for the last two
decades. If we lost his services, our external relationships and internal leadership resources would be materially diminished.
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Other members of our senior management team also have strong industry reputations and experience, which aid us in
attracting, identifying and exploiting opportunities. The loss of the services of one or more members of our senior management
team, particularly Anthony E. Malkin, could have a material and adverse impact on us.
Tax consequences to holders of operating partnership units upon a sale or refinancing of our properties may cause the
interests of certain members of our senior management team to differ from your own.
As a result of the unrealized built-in gain attributable to a property at the time of contribution, some holders of
operating partnership units, including Anthony E. Malkin and Peter L. Malkin, may suffer different and more adverse tax
consequences than holders of our Class A common stock upon the sale or refinancing of the properties owned by our operating
partnership, including disproportionately greater allocations of items of taxable income and gain upon a realization event. As
those holders will not receive a correspondingly greater distribution of cash proceeds, they may have different objectives
regarding the appropriate pricing, timing and other material terms of any sale or refinancing of certain properties, or whether to
sell or refinance such properties at all. As a result, the effect of certain transactions on Anthony E. Malkin and Peter L. Malkin
may influence their decisions affecting these properties and may cause such members of our senior management team to
attempt to delay, defer or prevent a transaction that might otherwise be in the best interests of our other securityholders. In
connection with the formation transactions, we entered into a tax protection agreement with Anthony E. Malkin and Peter L.
Malkin pursuant to which we have agreed to indemnify the Malkin Group and one additional third party investor in Metro
Center (who was one of the original landowners and was involved in the development of the property) against certain tax
liabilities if those tax liabilities result from (i) the operating partnership’s sale, transfer, conveyance, or other taxable disposition
of four specified properties (First Stamford Place, Metro Center, 10 Bank Street and 1542 Third Avenue) acquired by the
operating partnership in the consolidation for a period of 12 years from the consolidation in 2013 with respect to First Stamford
Place and for the later of (x) eight years from the consolidation in 2013 or (y) the death of both Peter L. Malkin and Isabel W.
Malkin who are 82 and 79 years old, respectively, for the three other properties, (ii) the operating partnership failing to
maintain until maturity the indebtedness secured by those properties or failing to use commercially reasonable efforts to
refinance such indebtedness upon maturity in an amount equal to the principal balance of such indebtedness, or, if the operating
partnership is unable to refinance such indebtedness at its current principal amount, at the highest principal amount possible, or
(iii) the operating partnership failing to make available to any of these continuing investors the opportunity to guarantee, or
otherwise bear the risk of loss, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, of their allocable share of $160 million of aggregate
indebtedness meeting certain requirements, until such continuing investor owns less than the aggregate number of operating
partnership units and shares of common stock equal to 50% of the aggregate number of such units and shares such continuing
investor received in the formation transactions. As a result of entering into the tax protection agreement, Anthony E. Malkin
and Peter L. Malkin may have an incentive to cause us to enter into transactions from which they may personally benefit.
Our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer has outside business interests that take his time and attention away from us,
which could materially and adversely affect us.
Anthony E. Malkin, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, has agreed to devote a majority of his business time
and attention to our business and, under his employment agreement, he may also devote time to the excluded properties, the
excluded businesses and certain family investments to the extent that such activities do not materially interfere with the
performance of his duties to us. He owns interests in the excluded properties and excluded businesses that were not contributed
to us in the formation transactions, some of which are managed by our company and certain non-real estate family investments.
In some cases, Anthony E. Malkin or his affiliates have certain management and fiduciary obligations that may conflict with
such person’s responsibilities as an officer or director of our company and may adversely affect our operations. In addition,
under his employment agreement, Anthony E. Malkin has agreed not to engage in certain business activities in competition
with us (both during, and for a period of time following, his employment with us). We may choose not to enforce, or to enforce
less vigorously, our rights under this agreement because of our desire to maintain our ongoing relationship with our Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer given his significant knowledge of our business, relationships with our customers and significant
equity ownership in us, and this could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our rights and the rights of our securityholders to take action against our directors and officers are limited, which could
limit your recourse in the event of actions not in your best interest.
Our charter limits the liability of our present and former directors and officers to us and our securityholders for money
damages to the maximum extent permitted under Maryland law. Under current Maryland law, our present and former directors
and officers will not have any liability to us or our securityholders for money damages other than liability resulting from (1)
actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or (2) active and deliberate dishonesty by the
director or officer that was established by a final judgment and is material to the cause of action. As a result, we and our
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securityholders may have limited rights against our present and former directors and officers, as well as persons who served as
members, managers, shareholders, directors, partners, officers, controlling persons certain agents of our predecessor, which
could limit your recourse in the event of actions not in your best interest.
Conflicts of interest exist or could arise in the future between the interests of our securityholders and the interests of holders
of operating partnership units, which may impede business decisions that could benefit our securityholders.
Conflicts of interest exist or could arise in the future as a result of the relationships between us and our affiliates, on
the one hand, and our operating partnership or any partner thereof, on the other. Our directors and officers have duties to our
company under applicable Maryland law in connection with their management of our company. At the same time, we, as the
general partner in our operating partnership, have fiduciary duties and obligations to our operating partnership and its limited
partners under Delaware law and the partnership agreement of our operating partnership in connection with the management of
our operating partnership. Our fiduciary duties and obligations as general partner to our operating partnership and its partners
may come into conflict with the duties of our directors and officers to our company.
Additionally, the partnership agreement provides that we and our directors and officers will not be liable or
accountable to our operating partnership for losses sustained, liabilities incurred or benefits not derived if we, or such director
or officer acted in good faith. The partnership agreement also provides that we will not be liable to the operating partnership or
any partner for monetary damages for losses sustained, liabilities incurred or benefits not derived by the operating partnership
or any limited partner, except for liability for our intentional harm or gross negligence. Moreover, the partnership agreement
provides that our operating partnership is required to indemnify its directors and officers, us and our directors and officers and
authorizes our operating partnership to indemnify present and former members, managers, shareholders, directors, limited
partners, general partners, officers or controlling persons of our predecessor and authorizes us to indemnify members, partners,
employees and agents of us or our predecessor, in each case for actions taken by them in those capacities from and against any
and all claims that relate to the operations of our operating partnership, except (1) if the act or omission of the person was
material to the matter giving rise to the action and either was committed in bad faith or was the result of active and deliberate
dishonesty, (2) for any transaction for which the indemnified party received an improper personal benefit, in money, property or
services or otherwise, in violation or breach of any provision of the partnership agreement or (3) in the case of a criminal
proceeding, if the indemnified person had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. No reported
decision of a Delaware appellate court has interpreted provisions similar to the provisions of the partnership agreement of our
operating partnership that modify and reduce our fiduciary duties or obligations as the general partner or reduce or eliminate
our liability for money damages to the operating partnership and its partners, and we have not obtained an opinion of counsel as
to the enforceability of the provisions set forth in the partnership agreement that purport to modify or reduce the fiduciary
duties that would be in effect were it not for the partnership agreement.
We could increase or decrease the number of authorized shares of stock, classify and reclassify unissued stock and issue
stock without stockholder approval, which could prevent a change in our control and negatively affect the market value of
our shares.
Our board of directors, without stockholder approval, has the power under our charter to amend our charter from time
to time to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series
that we are authorized to issue, to authorize us to issue authorized but unissued shares of our common stock or preferred stock
and to classify or reclassify any unissued shares of our common stock or preferred stock into one or more classes or series of
stock and set the terms of such newly classified or reclassified shares. As a result, we may issue series or classes of common
stock or preferred stock with preferences, distributions, powers and rights, voting or otherwise, that are senior to, or otherwise
conflict with, the rights of holders of our common stock. Any such issuance could dilute our existing securityholders’ interests.
Although our board of directors has no such intention at the present time, it could establish a class or series of preferred stock
that could, depending on the terms of such series, delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control that might involve
a premium price for our common stock or that our securityholders otherwise believe to be in their best interest.
Our operating partnership may issue additional operating partnership units without the consent of our securityholders,
which could have a dilutive effect on our securityholders.
Our operating partnership may issue additional operating partnership units to third parties without the consent of our
securityholders, which would reduce our ownership percentage in our operating partnership and would have a dilutive effect on
the amount of distributions made to us by our operating partnership and, therefore, the amount of distributions we can make to
our securityholders. Any such issuances, or the perception of such issuances, could materially and adversely affect the market
price of our Class A common stock.
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Certain provisions in the partnership agreement of our operating partnership may delay or prevent unsolicited acquisitions
of us.
Provisions in the partnership agreement of our operating partnership may delay or make more difficult unsolicited
•
•
•
acquisitions of us or changes of our control. These provisions could discourage third parties from making proposals involving
an unsolicited acquisition of us or change of our control, although some securityholders might consider such proposals, if
made, desirable. These provisions include, among others:
redemption rights of qualifying parties;
transfer restrictions on operating partnership units;
our ability, as general partner, in some cases, to amend the partnership agreement and to cause the operating
partnership to issue units with terms that could delay, defer or prevent a merger or other change of control of us or our
operating partnership without the consent of the limited partners;
the right of the limited partners to consent to transfers of the general partnership interest and mergers or other
transactions involving us under specified circumstances; and
a redemption premium payable to the holders of our operating partnership’s preferred units if our operating partnership
decides, at its option, to redeem preferred units for cash upon the occurrence of certain fundamental transactions, such
as a change of control.
•
•
Our charter, bylaws, the partnership agreement of our operating partnership and Maryland law also contain other
provisions that may delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for our
common stock or that our securityholders otherwise believe to be in their best interest.
Our charter contains stock ownership limits, which may delay or prevent a change of control.
In order for us to qualify as a REIT no more than 50% in value of our outstanding capital stock may be owned,
directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals during the last half of any calendar year, and at least 100 persons must
beneficially own our stock during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months, or during a proportionate portion of a
shorter taxable year. “Individuals” for this purpose include natural persons, private foundations, some employee benefit plans
and trusts and some charitable trusts. To assist us in complying with these limitations, among other purposes, our charter
generally prohibits any person from directly or indirectly owning more than 9.8% in value or number of shares, whichever is
more restrictive, of the outstanding shares of our capital stock or more than 9.8% in value or number of shares, whichever is
more restrictive, of the outstanding shares of our common stock. These ownership limitations could have the effect of
discouraging a takeover or other transaction in which holders of our common stock might receive a premium for their shares
over the then prevailing market price or which holders might believe to be otherwise in their best interests. We have entered
into waivers of the 9.8% ownership limit with two institutional investors to permit each of these institutional investors to own
up to 15% of the outstanding shares of our Class A common stock.
Our charter’s constructive ownership rules are complex and may cause the outstanding shares owned by a group of
related individuals or entities to be deemed to be constructively owned by one individual or entity. As a result, the acquisition
of less than these percentages of the outstanding shares by an individual or entity could cause that individual or entity to own
constructively in excess of these percentages of the outstanding shares and thus violate the share ownership limits. Our charter
also provides that any attempt to own or transfer shares of our common stock or preferred stock (if and when issued) in excess
of the stock ownership limits without the consent of our board of directors or in a manner that would cause us to be “closely
held” under Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the shares are held during the last half of a taxable year) will
result in the shares being deemed to be transferred to a trustee for a charitable trust or, if the transfer to the charitable trust is not
automatically effective to prevent a violation of the share ownership limits or the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our
shares, any such transfer of our shares will be null and void.
The concentration of our voting power may adversely affect the ability of new investors to influence our policies.
As of December 31, 2015, Anthony E. Malkin, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, together with the Malkin
Group, has the right to vote 42,101,592 shares of our common stock, which represents approximately 24.1% of the voting
power of our outstanding common stock. Consequently, Mr. Malkin has the ability to influence the outcome of matters
presented to our securityholders, including the election of our board of directors and approval of significant corporate
transactions, including business combinations, consolidations and mergers and the determination of our day-to-day corporate
and management policies. Therefore, Mr. Malkin has substantial influence over us and could exercise influence in a manner
that is not in the best interests of our other securityholders. This concentration of voting power might also have the effect of
delaying or preventing a change of control that our securityholders may view as beneficial.
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Our board of directors may change our strategies, policies or procedures without stockholder consent, which may subject us
to different and more significant risks in the future.
Our investment, financing, leverage and distribution policies and our policies with respect to all other activities,
including growth, debt, capitalization and operations, will be determined by our board of directors. These policies may be
amended or revised at any time and from time to time at the discretion of the board of directors without notice to or a vote of
our securityholders. This could result in our conducting operational matters, making investments or pursuing different business
or growth strategies. Under these circumstances, we may expose ourselves to different and more significant risks in the future,
which could have a material adverse effect on our business and growth. In addition, the board of directors may change our
policies with respect to conflicts of interest provided that such changes are consistent with applicable legal requirements. A
change in these policies could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, per share/unit
trading price of our Class A common stock and traded OP units and ability to satisfy our principal and interest obligations and
to make distributions to our securityholders.
Our board of directors has approved very broad investment guidelines for our company and will not review or approve each
investment decision made by our senior management team.
Our senior management team is authorized to follow broad investment guidelines and, therefore, has great latitude in
determining the types of assets that are proper investments for us, as well as the individual investment decisions. Our senior
management team may make investments with lower rates of return than those anticipated under current market conditions and/
or may make investments with greater risks to achieve those anticipated returns. Our board of directors will not review or
approve each proposed investment by our senior management team.
Risks Related to our Common Stock and Traded OP Units
Our cash available for distribution may not be sufficient to make distributions at expected levels.
We intend to make distributions to holders of shares of our common stock and holders of operating partnership units.
All dividends and distributions will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our earnings,
financial condition, maintenance of REIT qualification and other factors as our board of directors may deem relevant from time
to time. If sufficient cash is not available for distribution from our operations, we may have to fund distributions from working
capital or to borrow to provide funds for such distribution, or to reduce the amount of such distribution. We cannot assure you
that our distributions will be made or sustained. Any distributions we pay in the future will depend upon our actual results of
operations, economic conditions and other factors that could differ materially from our current expectations.
The market price of shares of our Class A common stock and traded OP units could be adversely affected by our level of
cash distributions.
The market value of the equity securities of a REIT is based primarily upon the market’s perception of the REIT’s
growth potential and its current and potential future cash distributions, whether from operations, sales or refinancings, and is
secondarily based upon the real estate market value of the underlying assets. For that reason, our Class A common stock and
traded OP units may trade at prices that are higher or lower than our net asset value per share. To the extent we retain operating
cash flow for investment purposes, working capital reserves or other purposes, these retained funds, while increasing the value
of our underlying assets, may not correspondingly increase the market price of our Class A common stock and traded OP units.
Our failure to meet the market’s expectations with regard to future earnings and cash distributions likely would adversely affect
the market price of our Class A common stock and traded OP units.
Future issuances of debt securities or preferred units, which would rank senior to shares of our common stock upon our
liquidation, and future issuances of equity securities (including operating partnership units), which would dilute the
holdings of our existing common securityholders and may be senior to shares of our common stock for the purposes of
making distributions, periodically or upon liquidation, may materially and adversely affect the market price of shares of our
Class A common stock and traded OP units.
In the future, we may issue debt or equity securities or make other borrowings. Upon liquidation, holders of our debt
securities, preferred units and other loans and preferred shares will receive a distribution of our available assets before holders
of shares of our common stock. We are not required to offer any such additional debt or equity securities to existing
securityholders on a preemptive basis. Therefore, additional shares of our common stock issuances, directly or through
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convertible or exchangeable securities (including operating partnership units), warrants or options, will dilute the holdings of
our existing common securityholders and such issuances or the perception of such issuances may reduce the market price of
shares of our common stock. Our preferred units or shares, if issued, would likely have a preference on distribution payments,
periodically or upon liquidation, which could limit our ability to make distributions to holders of shares of our common stock.
Because our decision to issue debt or equity securities or otherwise incur debt in the future will depend on market conditions
and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future capital raising
efforts. Thus, holders of shares of our common stock bear the risk that our future issuances of debt or equity securities or our
other borrowings will reduce the market price of shares of our Class A common stock and traded OP units and dilute their
ownership in us.
Our balance sheet includes significant amounts of goodwill. The impairment of a significant portion of this goodwill could
negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our balance sheet includes goodwill of approximately $491.5 million at December 31, 2015. These assets consist
primarily of goodwill associated with our acquisition of the controlling interest in Empire State Building Company L.L.C. and
501 Seventh Avenue Associates L.L.C. We also expect to engage in additional acquisitions, which may result in our
recognition of additional goodwill. Under accounting standards goodwill is not amortized. On an annual basis and whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value or goodwill may be impaired, we are required to assess whether
there have been impairments in the carrying value of goodwill. If the carrying value of the asset is determined to be impaired,
then it is written down to fair value by a charge to operating earnings. An impairment of goodwill could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Tax Risks Related to Ownership of Our Shares
Our failure to qualify or remain qualified as a REIT would subject us to U.S. federal income tax and applicable state and
local taxes, which would reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to our securityholders.
We have been organized and we intend to operate in a manner that we believe will enable us to qualify as a REIT for
U.S. federal income tax purposes commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2013. We have not requested and do
not intend to request a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS, that we qualify as a REIT. Qualification as a REIT
involves the application of highly technical and complex Code provisions and Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder for
which there are limited judicial and administrative interpretations. The complexity of these provisions and of applicable
Treasury Regulations is greater in the case of a REIT that, like us, holds its assets through partnerships. To qualify as a REIT,
we must meet, on an ongoing basis, various tests regarding the nature and diversification of our assets and our income, the
ownership of our outstanding shares, and the amount of our distributions. Our ability to satisfy these asset tests depends upon
our analysis of the characterization and fair market values of our assets, some of which are not susceptible to a precise
determination, and for which we will not obtain independent appraisals. Our compliance with the REIT income and quarterly
asset requirements also depends upon our ability to manage successfully the composition of our income and assets on an
ongoing basis. Moreover, new legislation, court decisions or administrative guidance, in each case possibly with retroactive
effect, may make it more difficult or impossible for us to qualify as a REIT. Thus, while we intend to operate so that we will
qualify as a REIT, given the highly complex nature of the rules governing REITs, the ongoing importance of factual
determinations, and the possibility of future changes in our circumstances, no assurance can be given that we will so qualify for
any particular year. These considerations also might restrict the types of assets that we can acquire in the future.
If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, and we do not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, we
would be required to pay U.S. federal income tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on our taxable income at
regular corporate rates, and distributions to our securityholders would not be deductible by us in determining our taxable
income. In such a case, we might need to borrow money, sell assets, or reduce or even cease making distributions in order to
pay our taxes. Our payment of income tax would reduce significantly the amount of cash available for distribution to our
securityholders. Furthermore, if we fail to maintain our qualification as a REIT, we no longer would be required to distribute
substantially all of our net taxable income to our securityholders. In addition, unless we were eligible for certain statutory
relief provisions, we could not re-elect to qualify as a REIT until the fifth calendar year following the year in which we failed to
qualify.
Complying with the REIT requirements may cause us to forego and/or liquidate otherwise attractive investments.
To qualify as a REIT, we must ensure that we meet the REIT gross income tests annually. In addition, we must ensure
that, at the end of each calendar quarter, at least 75% of the value of our total assets consists of cash, cash items, government
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securities and qualified REIT real estate assets, including certain mortgage loans and certain kinds of mortgage-backed
securities. The remainder of our investment in securities (other than government securities, securities of corporations that are
treated as Taxable REIT Subsidiaries ("TRSs") and qualified REIT real estate assets) generally cannot include more than 10%
of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer or more than 10% of the total value of the outstanding securities of any
one issuer. In addition, in general, no more than 5% of the value of our assets (other than government securities and qualified
real estate assets) can consist of the securities of any one issuer, and no more than 25% of the value of our total securities can
be represented by securities of one or more TRSs. If we fail to comply with these asset requirements at the end of any calendar
quarter, we must correct the failure within 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter or qualify for certain statutory relief
provisions to avoid losing our REIT qualification and suffering adverse tax consequences.
To meet these tests, we may be required to take or forgo taking actions that we would otherwise consider
advantageous. For instance, in order to satisfy the gross income or asset tests applicable to REITs under the Code, we may be
required to forego investments that we otherwise would make. Furthermore, we may be required to liquidate from our portfolio
otherwise attractive investments. In addition, we may be required to make distributions to securityholders at disadvantageous
times or when we do not have funds readily available for distribution. These actions could have the effect of reducing our
income and amounts available for distribution to our securityholders. Thus, compliance with the REIT requirements may
hinder our investment performance.
The REIT distribution requirements could require us to borrow funds during unfavorable market conditions or subject us to
tax, which would reduce the cash available for distribution to our securityholders.
In order to qualify as a REIT, we must distribute to our securityholders, on an annual basis, at least 90% of our REIT
taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains. In addition, we
will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates to the extent that we distribute less than 100% of our net
taxable income (including net capital gains) and will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount by which our
distributions in any calendar year are less than a minimum amount specified under U.S. federal income tax laws. We intend to
distribute our net income to our securityholders in a manner intended to satisfy the REIT 90% distribution requirement and to
avoid U.S. federal income tax and the 4% nondeductible excise tax.
In addition, our taxable income may exceed our net income as determined by GAAP because, for example, realized capital
losses will be deducted in determining our GAAP net income, but may not be deductible in computing our taxable income. In
addition, we may incur nondeductible capital expenditures or be required to make debt or amortization payments. As a result of
the foregoing, we may generate less cash flow than taxable income in a particular year and we may incur U.S. federal income tax
and the 4% nondeductible excise tax on that income if we do not distribute such income to securityholders in that year. In that
event, we may be required to use cash reserves, incur debt or liquidate assets at rates or times that we regard as unfavorable or
make a taxable distribution of our shares in order to satisfy the REIT 90% distribution requirement and to avoid U.S. federal
income tax and the 4% nondeductible excise tax in that year.
If our operating partnership is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we will cease to qualify as a REIT.
We believe our operating partnership qualifies as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Assuming that it
qualifies as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, our operating partnership will not be subject to U.S. federal income
tax on its income. Instead, each of its partners, including us, is required to pay tax on its allocable share of the operating partnership’s
income. No assurance can be provided, however, that the IRS will not challenge our operating partnership’s status as a partnership
for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or that a court would not sustain such a challenge. If the IRS were successful in treating
our operating partnership as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we would fail to meet the gross income tests and
certain of the asset tests applicable to REITs and, therefore, cease to qualify as a REIT and our operating partnership would become
subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax. The payment by our operating partnership of income tax would reduce
significantly the amount of cash available to our partnership to satisfy obligations to make principal and interest payments on its
debt and to make distribution to its partners, including us.
If we are not able to continue to lease the Empire State Building observatory to a TRS in a manner consistent with the ruling
that we have received from the IRS, or if we are not able to maintain our broadcast licenses in a manner consistent with the
ruling we have received from the IRS, we would be required to restructure our operations in a manner that could adversely
affect the value of our stock.
Rents from real property are generally not qualifying income for purposes of the REIT gross income tests if the rent is
treated as “related party rent.” Related party rent generally includes (i) any rent paid by a corporation if the REIT (or any
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person who owns 10% or more of the stock of the REIT by value) directly or indirectly owns 10% or more of the stock of the
corporation by vote or value and (ii) rent paid by a partnership if the REIT (or any person who owns 10% or more of the stock
of the REIT by value) directly or indirectly owns an interest of 10% or more in the assets or net profits of the partnership.
Under an exception to this rule, related party rent is treated as qualifying income for purposes of the REIT gross income tests if
it is paid by a TRS of the REIT and (i) at least 90% of the leased space in the relevant property is rented to persons other than
either TRSs or other related parties of the REIT, and (ii) the amounts paid to the REIT as rent from real property are
substantially comparable to the rents paid by unrelated tenants of the REIT for comparable space.
Income from admissions to the Empire State Building observatory, and certain other income generated by the
observatory, would not likely be qualifying income for purposes of the REIT gross income tests. We jointly elected with
Observatory TRS, which is the current lessee and operator of the observatory and which is wholly owned by our operating
partnership, for Observatory TRS to be treated as a TRS of ours for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Observatory TRS leases
the Empire State Building observatory from the operating partnership pursuant to a lease that provides for fixed base rental
payments and variable rental payments equal to certain percentages of Observatory TRS’s gross receipts from the operation of
the observatory. Given the unique nature of the real estate comprising the observatory, we do not believe that there is any space
in the Empire State Building or in the same geographic area as the Empire State Building that is likely to be considered
sufficiently comparable to the observatory for the purpose of applying the exception to related party rent described above. We
have received from the IRS a private letter ruling that the rent that our operating partnership receives from Observatory TRS
pursuant to the lease of the Empire State Building observatory is qualifying income for purposes of the REIT gross income tests
so long as such rent reflects the fair market rental value of the Empire State Building observatory as determined by an appraisal
rendered by a qualified third party appraiser.
In addition, our operating partnership has acquired various license agreements (i) granting certain third party
broadcasters the right to use space on the tower on the top of the Empire State Building for certain broadcasting and other
communication purposes and (ii) granting certain third party vendors the right to operate concession stands in the observatory.
We have received from the IRS a private letter ruling that the license fees that our operating partnership receives under the
license agreements described above constitute qualifying income for purposes of the REIT gross income tests.
We are entitled to rely upon these private letter rulings only to the extent that we did not misstate or omit a material
fact in the ruling request and that we continue to operate in accordance with the material facts described in such request, and no
assurance can be given that we will always be able to do so. If we were not able to treat the rent that our operating partnership
receives from Observatory TRS as qualifying income for purposes of the REIT gross income tests, we would be required to
restructure the manner in which we operate the observatory, which would likely require us to cede operating control of the
observatory by leasing the observatory to an affiliate or third party operator. If we were not able to treat the license fees that
our operating partnership will receive from the license agreements described above as qualifying income for purposes of the
REIT gross income tests, we would be required to enter into the license agreements described above through a TRS, which
would cause the license fees to be subject to U.S. federal income tax and accordingly reduce the amount of our cash flow
available to be distributed to our securityholders. In either case, if we are not able to appropriately restructure our operations in
a timely manner, we would likely realize significant income that does not qualify for the REIT gross income tests, which could
cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT.
Although our use of TRSs may partially mitigate the impact of meeting certain requirements necessary to maintain our
qualification as a REIT, there are limits on our ability to own TRSs, and a failure to comply with the limits would jeopardize
our REIT qualification and may result in the application of a 100% excise tax.
A REIT may own up to 100% of the stock of one or more TRSs. A TRS may hold assets and earn income that would
not be qualifying assets or income if held or earned directly by a REIT. Both the subsidiary and the REIT must jointly elect to
treat the subsidiary as a TRS. A corporation of which a TRS directly or indirectly owns more than 35% of the voting power or
value of the stock will automatically be treated as a TRS. Overall, no more than 25% of the value of a REIT’s assets may
consist of securities of one or more TRSs. In addition, the TRS rules limit the deductibility of interest paid or accrued by a
TRS to its parent REIT to assure that the TRS is subject to an appropriate level of corporate taxation. The rules also impose a
100% excise tax on certain transactions between a TRS and its parent REIT that are not conducted on an arm’s-length basis.
We have jointly elected with each of Observatory TRS and Holding TRS, for each of Observatory TRS and Holding
TRS to be treated as a TRS under the Code for U.S. federal income tax purposes in 2013. Observatory TRS, Holding TRS, and
any other TRSs that we form pay U.S. federal, state and local income tax on their taxable income, and their after-tax net income
is available for distribution to us but is not required to be distributed to us unless necessary to maintain our REIT qualification.
Although we monitor the aggregate value of the securities of such TRSs and intend to conduct our affairs so that such securities
32
will represent less than 25% of the value of our total assets, there can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with the
TRS limitation in all market conditions.
Dividends payable by REITs do not qualify for the reduced tax rates on dividend income from regular corporations, which
could adversely affect the value of our Class A common stock.
The maximum U.S. federal income tax rate for certain qualified dividends payable to U.S. securityholders that are
individuals, trusts and estates is 20%. Dividends payable by REITs, however, are generally not eligible for the reduced rates
and therefore may be subject to a 39.6% maximum U.S. federal income tax rate on ordinary income when paid to such
securityholders. Although the reduced U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to dividend income from regular corporate
dividends does not adversely affect the taxation of REITs or dividends paid by REITs, the more favorable rates applicable to
regular corporate dividends could cause investors who are individuals, trusts and estates to perceive investments in REITs to be
relatively less attractive than investments in the stocks of non-REIT corporations that pay dividends, which could adversely
affect the value of the shares of REITs, including our Class A common stock.
The ability of our board of directors to revoke our REIT election without stockholder approval may cause adverse consequences
to our securityholders.
Our charter provides that the board of directors may revoke or otherwise terminate our REIT election, without the
approval of our securityholders, if the board determines that it is no longer in our best interest to continue to qualify as a REIT.
If we cease to qualify as a REIT, we would become subject to U.S. federal income tax on our net taxable income and we
generally would no longer be required to distribute any of our net taxable income to our securityholders, which may have
adverse consequences on our total return to our securityholders.
We may have inherited tax liabilities from the entities that have been merged into our company or our subsidiaries in the
formation transactions.
Pursuant to the formation transactions, Malkin Properties of Connecticut, Inc., a Connecticut corporation, or Malkin
Properties CT, and Malkin Construction Corp., a Connecticut corporation, or Malkin Construction merged with and into a
subsidiary of ours, with the subsidiary surviving, in a transaction that was intended to be treated as a reorganization under the
Code. Each of Malkin Properties CT and Malkin Construction had previously elected to be treated as an S Corporation for U.S.
federal income tax purposes under Section 1361 of the Code with respect to periods preceding our formation transaction. If
either of Malkin Properties CT or Malkin Construction had failed to qualify as an S corporation with respect to periods
preceding our formation transaction, we could have assumed material U.S. federal income tax liabilities in connection with the
formation transactions and/or may be subject to certain other adverse tax consequences. In addition, to qualify as a REIT under
these circumstances, we would be required to distribute, prior to the close of our first taxable year in which we elect to be taxed
as a REIT under the Code, any earnings and profits of these entities to which we were deemed to succeed. No rulings from the
IRS were requested and no opinions of counsel were rendered regarding the U.S. federal income tax treatment of any of Malkin
Properties CT or Malkin Construction with respect to periods preceding our formation transaction. Accordingly, no assurance
can be given that Malkin Properties CT or Malkin Construction qualified as an S corporation for U.S. federal income tax
purposes during such periods, or that these entities did not have any other tax liabilities. In addition, the supervisor merged
with a subsidiary of our operating partnership in the formation transactions, and as a result, we may have inherited any
liabilities, including any tax liabilities, of the supervisor.
Legislative or regulatory tax changes related to REITs could materially and adversely affect our business.
At any time, the U.S. federal income tax laws or regulations governing REITs or the administrative interpretations of
those laws or regulations may be changed, possibly with retroactive effect. We cannot predict if or when any new U.S. federal
income tax law, regulation or administrative interpretation, or any amendment to any existing U.S. federal income tax law,
regulation or administrative interpretation, will be adopted, promulgated or become effective or whether any such law,
regulation or interpretation may take effect retroactively. We and our securityholders could be adversely affected by any such
change in, or any new, U.S. federal income tax law, regulation or administrative interpretation.
Your investment has various tax risks.
33
Although this section describes certain tax risks relevant to an investment in shares of our Class A common stock, you
should consult your tax advisor concerning the effects of U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax laws to you with regard to an
investment in shares of our Class A common stock.
If a transaction intended to qualify as a Section 1031 Exchange is later determined to be taxable, we may face adverse
consequences, and if the laws applicable to such transactions are amended or repealed, we may not be able to dispose of
properties on a tax deferred basis.
From time to time we may dispose of properties in transactions that are intended to qualify as Section 1031
Exchanges. It is possible that the qualification of a transaction as a Section 1031 Exchange could be successfully challenged
and determined to be currently taxable. In such case, our taxable income and earnings and profits would increase. This could
increase the dividend income to our stockholders by reducing any return of capital they received. In some circumstances, we
may be required to pay additional dividends or, in lieu of that, corporate income tax, possibly including interest and penalties.
As a result, we may be required to borrow funds in order to pay additional dividends or taxes, and the payment of such taxes
could cause us to have less cash available to distribute to our stockholders. In addition, if a Section 1031 Exchange were later
to be determined to be taxable, we may be required to amend our tax returns for the applicable year in question, including any
information reports we sent our stockholders. Moreover, it is possible that legislation could be enacted that could modify or
repeal the laws with respect to Section 1031 Exchanges, which could make it more difficult or not possible for us to dispose of
properties on a tax deferred basis.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
As of December 31, 2015, we did not have any unresolved comments with the staff of the SEC.
34
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our Portfolio Summary
As of December 31, 2015, our portfolio consisted of 14 office properties and six standalone retail properties totaling
approximately 10.1 million rentable square feet and was approximately 87.3% occupied, yielding approximately $453.3
million of annualized rent. Giving effect to leases signed but not yet commenced, our portfolio was approximately 89.1%
leased as of December 31, 2015. In addition, we owned entitled land that will support the development of an approximately
380,000 rentable square foot office building and garage (Metro Tower) at the Stamford Transportation Center in Stamford,
Connecticut, adjacent to one of our office properties. The table below presents an overview of our portfolio as of
December 31, 2015.
Year Built/
Renovated (1)
Rentable
Square
Feet (2)
Annualized
Rent per
Percent
Occupied (3)
Annualized
Rent (4)
Occupied
Square Foot (5)
Number of
Leases (6)
Property Name
Location or Sub-Market
Manhattan Office Properties - Office
The Empire State Building (7)
Penn Station -Times Sq.
South
One Grand Central Place
Grand Central
1400 Broadway (8)
112 West 34th Street (9)
250 West 57th Street
501 Seventh Avenue
1359 Broadway
1350 Broadway (10)
1333 Broadway
Penn Station -Times Sq.
South
Penn Station -Times Sq.
South
Columbus Circle - West
Side
Penn Station -Times Sq.
South
Penn Station -Times Sq.
South
Penn Station -Times Sq.
South
Penn Station -Times Sq.
South
2,701,356
86.4 % $ 117,999,922
$
50.58
1931/In
process
1930/In
process
1930/In
process
1954/In
process
1921/In
process
1923/In
process
1924/In
process
1929/In
process
1915/In
process
1,192,231
83.4 %
51,967,318
902,810
87.8 %
34,309,269
623,728
71.4 %
21,138,144
481,487
74.6 %
18,584,120
459,051
94.8 %
18,383,050
453,924
87.8 %
18,855,826
372,901
81.4 %
15,195,009
292,524
100.0 %
13,692,608
Manhattan Office Properties - Office
7,480,012
84.9%
310,125,266
Manhattan Office Properties - Retail
The Empire State Building (11)
Penn Station -Times Sq.
South
One Grand Central Place
Grand Central
1400 Broadway (8)
112 West 34th Street (9)
250 West 57th Street
501 Seventh Avenue
1359 Broadway
1350 Broadway
1333 Broadway
Penn Station -Times Sq.
South
Penn Station -Times Sq.
South
Columbus Circle - West
Side
Penn Station -Times Sq.
South
Penn Station -Times Sq.
South
Penn Station -Times Sq.
South
Penn Station -Times Sq.
South
1931/In
process
1930/In
process
1930/In
process
1954/In
process
1921/In
process
1923/In
process
1924/In
process
1929/In
process
1915/In
process
132,988
94.2 %
17,383,058
67,846
95.2 %
6,923,722
16,595
100.0 %
2,030,502
93,348
96.5 %
3,649,721
49,229
89.6 %
6,507,835
34,536
87.1 %
1,740,948
27,243
42.1 %
1,115,963
31,774
100.0 %
6,672,846
65,233
97.2 %
7,512,298
Manhattan Office Properties - Retail
518,792
92.0%
53,536,893
Sub-Total/Weighted Average Manhattan Office Properties - Office and Retail
7,998,804
85.4%
363,662,159
Greater New York Metropolitan Area Office Properties
35
187
239
51
24
121
34
32
57
10
755
18
13
10
2
6
8
4
6
3
70
825
52.29
43.27
47.47
51.76
42.24
47.29
50.04
46.81
48.81
138.72
107.32
122.36
40.51
147.51
57.91
97.25
210.01
118.49
112.16
53.23
First Stamford Place (12)
Stamford, CT
1986/2003
794,571
95.5 %
31,983,458
Metro Center
Stamford, CT
1987/1999
282,499
96.9 %
15,434,472
383 Main Street
Norwalk, CT
1985/1996
259,914
96.6 %
8,203,469
500 Mamaroneck Avenue
Harrison, NY
1986/2004
293,996
91.6 %
7,902,818
10 Bank Street
White Plains, NY
1989/2001
229,516
85.0 %
7,003,357
Sub-Total/Weighted Average Greater New York Metropolitan Office
Properties
1,860,496
93.9%
70,527,574
42.17
56.40
32.68
29.33
35.89
40.35
55
31
24
32
29
171
Standalone Retail Properties
10 Union Square
Union Square
1988/1997
58,005
100.0 %
6,406,260
110.44
14
1542 Third Avenue
Upper East Side
1993 (13)
56,250
100.0 %
3,421,409
1010 Third Avenue
Upper East Side
1963/2007
44,662
100.0 %
3,469,238
77 West 55th Street
Midtown
1962 (13)
24,102
100.0 %
3,041,321
69-97 Main Street
Westport, CT
1922/2005
17,103
100.0 %
2,086,842
103-107 Main Street
Westport, CT
1900 (13)
4,330
100.0 %
697,353
60.83
77.68
126.19
122.02
161.05
4
2
3
5
1
Sub-Total/Weighted Average Standalone Retail Properties
204,452
100.0%
19,122,423
93.53
29
Portfolio Total
10,063,752
87.3% $ 453,312,156
$
51.61
1,025
Total/Weighted Average Office Properties
9,340,508
86.7% $ 380,652,840
$
46.98
Total/Weighted Average Retail Properties (14)
723,244
94.3%
72,659,316
106.57
926
99
Portfolio Total
10,063,752
87.3% $ 453,312,156
$
51.61
1,025
(1) For more information regarding the status of ongoing redevelopments at certain of our properties, see “Properties - Redevelopment and Repositioning”
(2) Office property measurements are based on the Real Estate Board of New York measurement standards; retail property measurements are based on useable square feet.
Excludes (i) 184,296 square feet of space across our portfolio attributable to building management use and tenant amenities and (ii) 69,789 square feet of space
attributable to our observatory.
(3) Based on leases signed and commenced as of December 31, 2015 and calculated as (i) rentable square feet less available square feet divided by (ii) rentable square feet.
(4) Represents annualized base rent and current reimbursement for operating expenses and real estate taxes.
(5) Represents annualized rent under leases commenced as of December 31, 2015 divided by occupied square feet.
(6) Represents the number of leases at each property or on a portfolio basis. If a tenant has more than one lease, whether or not at the same property, but with different
expirations, the number of leases is calculated equal to the number of leases with different expirations.
Includes 86,902 rentable square feet of space leased by our broadcasting tenants.
(7)
(8) Denotes a ground leasehold interest in the property with a remaining term, including unilateral extension rights available to the Company, of approximately 48 years
(expiring December 31, 2063).
(9) Denotes a ground leasehold interest in the property with a remaining term, including unilateral extension rights available to the Company, of approximately 62 years
(expiring May 31, 2077).
(10) Denotes a ground leasehold interest in the property with a remaining term, including unilateral extension rights available to us, of approximately 36 years (expiring July 31,
2050).
(11) Includes 5,300 rentable square feet of space leased by WDGF North America, a licensee of our observatory.
(12) First Stamford Place consists of three buildings.
(13) No major redevelopment activity was undertaken at this property.
(14) Includes 518,792 rentable square feet of retail space in our Manhattan office properties.
Tenant Diversification
As of December 31, 2015, our office and retail portfolios were leased to a diverse tenant base consisting of
approximately 1,025 leases. Our tenants represent a broad array of industries as follows:
36
Diversification by Industry
Arts and entertainment
Broadcast
Education
Consumer goods
Financial services or real estate
Healthcare
Industrials and natural resources
Legal services
Media and advertising
Non-profit
Professional services (not including legal services)
Retail
Technology
Others
Total
(1) Based on annualized rent.
Percent (1)
1.7%
2.2%
1.1%
22.4%
17.9%
1.3%
1.3%
3.7%
3.7%
2.9%
10.8%
14.8%
3.6%
12.6%
100.0%
The following table sets forth information regarding the 20 largest tenants in our portfolio based on annualized rent as
of December 31, 2015.
Numbe
r
of
Number
of
Leases
Properties
3
1
1
1
4
3
1
1
3
1
2
3
1
1
1
3
2
1
1
1
35
Lease
Expiration (1)
2 Oct. 2023-Oct. 2028
1 Jan. 2030
1 Feb. 2026
1 Oct. 2028
2 Apr. 2018-Apr. 2020
1 Oct. 2021-Oct. 2027
1 Feb 2020
1 Sept. 2029
3 Feb. 2021-Sept. 2027
1 Sept. 2024
1 Apr. 2016
3 Apr. 2016-Feb. 2018
1 May 2020
1 May 2029
1 Feb. 2026
1 Jan. 2016-Oct. 2026
1 Nov. 2016-Nov. 2020
1 Sept. 2024
1 Sept. 2022
1 Aug. 2024
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Lease
Term (2)
Total
Occupied
Square
Feet (3)
Percent of
Portfolio
Rentable
Square
Feet (4)
12.1 years
14.1 years
10.2 years
12.8 years
3.6 years
8.2 years
4.1 years
13.8 years
8.8 years
8.8 years
0.3 years
0.8 years
4.4 years
13.4 years
10.1 years
9.1 years
5.6 years
8.8 years
6.8 years
8.7 years
656,224
311,242
184,487
211,311
147,208
149,436
121,879
56,730
47,541
138,868
170,187
29,671
5,300
111,834
78,361
86,123
88,760
89,433
101,619
86,561
6.5%
3.1%
1.8%
2.1%
1.5%
1.5%
1.2%
0.6%
0.5%
1.4%
1.7%
0.3%
0.1%
1.1%
0.8%
0.9%
0.9%
0.9%
1.0%
0.9%
Annualized
Rent (5)
$
28,902,221
16,019,109
9,414,947
8,811,333
7,719,003
6,713,176
6,497,447
6,392,674
6,148,912
6,129,367
5,527,692
5,509,572
4,951,062
4,659,589
4,466,577
4,391,572
4,305,871
4,079,449
3,857,081
3,851,035
Percent of
Portfolio
Annualized
Rent (6)
6.4%
3.5%
2.1%
1.9%
1.7%
1.4%
1.4%
1.4%
1.4%
1.4%
1.2%
1.2%
1.1%
1.0%
1.0%
1.0%
0.9%
0.9%
0.9%
0.9%
2,872,775
28.8%
$
148,347,689
32.7%
Tenant
Global Brands Group
Coty
LinkedIn
PVH Corp.
Thomson Reuters
Li & Fung
Federal Deposit Insurance
Corp.
Urban Outfitters
Duane Reade/Walgreen's
Legg Mason
Footlocker
Bank of America
WDGF North America
Kohl's Department Store
HNTB Corporation
On Deck Capital
Aeropostale
Shutterstock
Odyssey Reinsurance
The Interpublic Group of
Companies
Total
(1) Expiration dates are per lease and do not assume exercise of renewal or extension options. None of these leases contain early termination options. For tenants with more
than two leases, the lease expiration is shown as a range.
(2) Represents the weighted average lease term, based on annualized rent.
(3) Based on leases signed and commenced as of December 31, 2015.
(4) Represents the percentage of rentable square feet of our office and retail portfolios in the aggregate.
(5) Represents annualized base rent and current reimbursement for operating expenses and real estate taxes.
(6) Represents the percentage of annualized rent of our office and retail portfolios in the aggregate.
37
Lease Expirations
We expect to benefit from the re-leasing of 7.5%, or approximately 558,939 rentable square feet, of our Manhattan
office leases expiring through December 31, 2016, which we generally believe are currently at below-market rates. During
2013, 2014 and 2015, we have generally been obtaining higher base rents on new and renewed leases at our Manhattan
office properties. These increased rents are partly due to an increase in the total rentable square footage of such space as a
result of remeasurement and application of market loss factors to our space.
During the year ended December 31, 2015, we entered into new and renewed leases at our Manhattan office properties
representing approximately 958,704 rentable square feet. The last weighted average annualized fully escalated gross rent
prior to the renewal or re-leasing of these leases was $38.27 per rentable square foot compared to $54.84 per rentable
square foot based on the weighted average annualized contractual first monthly base rent (after free rent periods) for the
new and renewed leases. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we entered into new and renewed leases at our
Manhattan office properties representing approximately 621,224 rentable square feet. The last weighted average annualized
fully escalated gross rent prior to the renewal or re-leasing of these leases was $40.86 per rentable square foot compared to
$50.42 per rentable square foot based on the weighted average annualized contractual first monthly base rent (after free rent
periods) for the new and renewed leases.
The following table sets forth a summary schedule of the lease expirations for leases in place as of December 31, 2015
plus available space for each of the ten calendar years beginning with the year ending December 31, 2016 at the properties
in our portfolio. The information set forth in the table assumes that tenants exercise no renewal options and all early
termination rights.
All properties
Year of Lease Expiration
Available
Signed leases not commenced
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Thereafter
Total
Number
of Leases
Expiring (1)
Rentable
Square
Feet
Expiring (2)
Percent of
Portfolio
Rentable
Square Feet
Expiring
Percent of
Annualized Annualized
Rent (3)
Rent
Annualized
Rent Per
Rentable
Square Foot
—
14
174
166
164
115
130
68
45
45
33
36
49
1,101,925
10.9% $
178,345
770,320
731,967
828,370
709,610
953,483
571,786
460,780
578,889
530,627
290,529
1.8%
7.7%
7.3%
8.2%
7.1%
9.5%
5.7%
4.6%
5.8%
5.3%
2.9%
—
—
36,920,436
36,627,890
41,210,712
33,838,514
53,107,825
30,499,865
26,797,147
31,143,147
28,542,759
17,511,464
—% $
—%
8.1%
8.1%
9.1%
7.5%
11.7%
6.7%
5.9%
6.9%
6.3%
3.9%
2,357,121
23.2% 117,112,397
25.8%
1,039
10,063,752
100.0% $453,312,156
100.0% $
—
—
47.93
50.04
49.75
47.69
55.70
53.34
58.16
53.80
53.79
60.27
49.68
51.61
38
Manhattan Office Properties (4)
Year of Lease Expiration
Available
Signed leases not commenced
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Thereafter
Total
Number
of Leases
Expiring (1)
Rentable
Square
Feet
Expiring (2)
Percent of
Portfolio
Rentable
Square Feet
Expiring
Annualized
Rent (3)
Percent of
Annualized
Rent
Annualized
Rent Per
Rentable
Square Foot
—
11
143
139
124
88
92
40
28
32
16
19
34
954,606
171,458
558,939
530,919
551,348
436,274
645,702
356,980
212,213
412,010
348,508
182,520
12.8% $
2.3%
7.5%
7.1%
7.4%
5.8%
8.6%
4.8%
2.8%
5.5%
4.7%
2.4%
—
—
25,093,686
26,151,539
29,141,526
20,974,605
32,200,260
17,559,087
11,796,973
20,379,247
15,988,649
10,152,371
—% $
—%
8.1%
8.4%
9.4%
6.8%
10.4%
5.7%
3.8%
6.6%
5.2%
3.3%
2,118,535
28.3% 100,687,323
32.3%
766
7,480,012
100.0% $ 310,125,266
100.0% $
—
—
44.90
49.26
52.86
48.08
49.87
49.19
55.59
49.46
45.88
55.62
51.17
48.81
Greater New York Metropolitan Area Office Properties
Year of Lease Expiration
Available
Signed leases not commenced
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Thereafter
Total
Retail (5)
Rentable
Square
Percent of
Portfolio
Rentable
Feet
Expiring (2)
Square Feet
Expiring
Annualized
Rent (3)
Number
of Leases
Expiring (1)
Percent of
Annualized
Annualized
Rent Per
Rentable
Rent
Square Foot
—
1
16
21
34
21
27
22
8
6
3
10
3
108,226
4,532
65,528
154,599
256,393
246,987
245,638
185,304
184,175
118,242
149,541
79,273
62,058
5.8% $
0.2%
3.5%
8.3%
13.8%
13.3%
13.2%
10.0%
9.9%
6.4%
8.0%
4.3%
3.3%
—
—
2,474,265
6,251,760
9,693,655
9,762,456
10,191,618
8,268,384
7,153,931
5,317,361
6,661,272
2,779,777
1,973,095
—% $
—%
3.5%
8.9%
13.7%
13.8%
14.5%
11.7%
10.1%
7.5%
9.4%
3.9%
3.0%
172
1,860,496
100.0% $ 70,527,574
100.0% $
—
—
37.76
40.44
37.81
39.53
41.49
44.62
38.84
44.97
44.54
35.07
51.17
40.35
39
Year of Lease Expiration
Available
Signed leases not commenced
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Thereafter
Total
The Empire State Building (6)
Year of Lease Expiration
Available
Signed leases not commenced
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Thereafter
Total
Rentable
Square
Percent of
Portfolio
Rentable
Feet
Expiring (2)
Square Feet
Expiring
Annualized
Rent (3)
39,093
2,355
5.4% $
0.3%
—
—
145,853
20.2%
9,352,485
6.4%
2.9%
3.6%
8.6%
4.1%
8.9%
6.7%
4.5%
4.0%
4,224,591
2,375,531
3,101,453
10,715,947
4,672,394
7,846,243
5,446,539
5,892,838
4,579,316
46,449
20,629
26,349
62,143
29,502
64,392
48,637
32,578
28,736
176,528
723,244
Number
of Leases
Expiring (1)
—
2
15
6
6
6
11
6
9
7
14
7
12
101
Percent of
Annualized
Annualized
Rent Per
Rentable
Rent
Square Foot
—% $
—%
12.9%
5.8%
3.3%
4.3%
14.7%
6.4%
10.8%
7.5%
8.1%
6.3%
—
—
64.12
90.95
115.15
117.71
172.44
158.38
121.85
111.98
180.88
159.36
51.17
24.4%
14,451,979
19.9%
100.0% $ 72,659,316
100.0% $
106.57
Rentable
Square
Percent of
Portfolio
Rentable
Feet
Expiring (2)
Square Feet
Expiring
Annualized
Rent (3) (7)
Number
of Leases
Expiring (1)
Percent of
Annualized
Annualized
Rent Per
Rentable
Rent
Square Foot
—
5
26
26
24
15
39
11
11
9
7
5
254,569
114,036
120,355
94,385
87,832
61,464
9.4% $
4.2%
4.5%
3.5%
3.3%
2.3%
—
—
4,573,957
5,379,843
4,962,379
3,042,576
—% $
—%
3.9%
4.6%
4.2%
2.6%
309,732
11.5%
16,592,730
14.1%
83,520
42,764
55,370
152,468
68,575
3.1%
1.6%
2.0%
5.6%
2.5%
4,180,101
2,908,420
3,209,882
7,384,952
3,716,883
3.5%
2.5%
2.7%
6.3%
3.1%
14
192
1,256,286
2,701,356
46.5%
62,048,199
52.5%
100.0% $ 117,999,922
100.0% $
—
—
38.00
57.00
56.50
49.50
53.57
50.05
68.01
57.97
48.44
54.20
49.39
50.58
The Empire State Building Broadcasting Licenses and Leases
40
Year of Lease Expiration
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Total
Annualized
Base Rent (8)
Annualized
Expense
Reimbursements
Annualized
Rent (3)
Percent of
Annualized
Rent
$
765,002
$
787,459
$
1,552,461
5,299,080
7,027,817
212,240
2,275,270
2,062,456
2,007,111
609,356
43,260
3,403,012
8,702,092
3,542,011
10,569,828
66,333
577,553
292,303
290,058
102,680
48,418
278,573
2,852,823
2,354,759
2,297,169
712,036
91,678
5.3%
29.6%
35.9%
0.9%
9.7%
8.0%
7.8%
2.4%
0.3%
$ 20,301,592
$
9,109,827
$ 29,411,419
100.0%
If a lease has two different expiration dates, it is considered to be two leases (for the purposes of lease count and square footage).
(1)
(2) Office property measurements are based on Real Estate Board of New York measurement standards; retail property measurements are based on
useable square feet. Excludes (i) 184,296 rentable square feet across our portfolio attributable to building management use and tenant amenities and
(ii) 69,789 square feet of space attributable to our observatory.
Represents annualized base rent and current reimbursement for operating expenses and real estate taxes.
Excludes (i) retail space in our Manhattan office properties and (ii) the Empire State Building broadcasting licenses and observatory operations.
Includes an aggregate of 518,792 rentable square feet of retail space in our Manhattan office properties. Excludes the Empire State Building
broadcasting licenses and observatory operations.
Excludes retail space, broadcasting licenses and observatory operations.
Includes approximately $4.8 million of annualized rent related to physical space occupied by broadcasting tenants for their broadcasting operations.
Does not include license fees charges to broadcast tenants.
Represents license fees for the use of the Empire State Building mast and base rent for the physical space occupied by broadcasting tenants.
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
Undeveloped Properties
We own entitled land that will support the development of a 17-story, multi-tenanted commercial office building that
is expected to comprise approximately 380,000 rentable square feet on 13 floors of office space, which we refer to as Metro
Tower. The site is directly adjacent to Metro Center, one of our office properties, and the Stamford Transportation Center. All
required zoning approvals have been obtained to allow for development of Metro Tower. We intend to develop this site when
we deem the appropriate combination of market and other conditions are in place.
Redevelopment and Repositioning
From 2002 through 2006, we gradually gained full control of the day-to-day management of our Manhattan office
properties (with the estate of Leona M. Helmsley previously holding certain approval rights at some of these properties as a
result of its interest in the entities owning the properties). Since then, we have been undertaking a comprehensive
redevelopment and repositioning strategy of our Manhattan office properties that has included the physical improvement
through upgrades and modernization of, and tenant upgrades in, such properties. Since we assumed full control of the day-to-
day management of our Manhattan office properties beginning with One Grand Central Place in 2002, and through
December 31, 2015, we have invested a total of approximately $645.0 million (excluding tenant improvement costs and leasing
commissions) in our Manhattan office properties pursuant to this program. The $645.0 million includes amounts invested at our
acquired properties, 1400 Broadway and 111 West 33rd Street (formerly known as 112 West 34th Street). Of the $645.0 million
invested pursuant to this program, $331.0 million was invested at the Empire State Building. We currently estimate that
between $30.0 million and $50.0 million of capital is needed primarily in 2016 to complete substantially the redevelopment and
repositioning program at our Manhattan office properties. We intend to fund these capital improvements through a combination
of operating cash flow and borrowings. These estimates are based on our current budgets (which do not include tenant
improvement and leasing commission costs) and are subject to change.
These improvements, within our redevelopment and repositioning program, include restored, renovated and upgraded
or new lobbies; elevator modernization; renovated public areas and bathrooms; refurbished or new windows; upgrade and
standardization of retail storefront and signage; façade restorations; modernization of building-wide systems; and enhanced
tenant amenities. These improvements are designed to improve the overall value and attractiveness of our properties and have
contributed significantly to our tenant repositioning efforts, which seek to increase our occupancy; raise our rental rates;
41
increase our rentable square feet; increase our aggregate rental revenue; lengthen our average lease term; increase our average
lease size; and improve our tenant credit quality. We have also aggregated smaller spaces in order to offer larger blocks of
office space, including multiple floors, that are attractive to larger, higher credit-quality tenants and to offer new, pre-built
suites with improved layouts. This strategy has shown what we believe to be attractive results to date, and we believe has the
potential to improve our operating margins and cash flows in the future. We believe we will continue to enhance our tenant
base and improve rents as our pre-redevelopment leases continue to expire and be re-leased.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Please see Footnote 10 “Commitments and Contingencies” to the financial statements of this Annual Report in Form
10-K for a description of such legal proceedings.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
42
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
Our Class A common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE"), under the symbol "ESRT." Our
Class B common stock is not listed on any exchange and is not traded. Each share of Class B common stock may be converted
to one share of Class A common stock at any time.
Our operating partnership has four series of partnership units ("OP Units") - Series PR OP Units, Series ES OP Units,
Series 60 OP Units and Series 250 OP Units. The Series ES OP Units, Series 60 OP Units and Series 250 OP Units (together
the "traded OP units") are listed on the NYSE Arca, Inc. exchange ("NYSE Arca") under the symbols "ESBA," "OGCP," and
"FISK," respectively. The Series PR OP Units are not listed on any exchange and are not traded.
On February 22, 2016, the last sales price for our Class A common stock on the NYSE was $15.60 per share.
The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices per share of our Class A common stock reported on the
NYSE and the distributions declared and paid by us during the calendar quarters of 2015 and 2014:
High
Low
Dividend per share
High
Low
Dividend per share
Holders
2015 Quarters
First
Second
Third
Fourth
$
$
$
$
$
$
19.16
17.24
0.085
First
15.53
14.08
0.085
$
$
$
$
$
$
19.00
16.97
0.085
$
$
$
17.99
15.85
0.085
2014 Quarters
Second
Third
17.34
14.60
0.085
$
$
$
16.80
14.86
0.085
$
$
$
$
$
$
18.73
16.79
0.085
Fourth
18.10
14.72
0.085
As of February 22, 2016, we had 511 registered holders of our Class A common stock and 759 registered holders of
our Class B common stock. As of February 22, 2016, our operating partnership had 840 registered holders of Series PR OP
Units, 2,255 registered holders of Series ES OP Units, 720 registered holders of Series 60 OP Units and 497 registered holders
of Series 250 OP Units. Such information was obtained through our registrar and transfer agent. Certain shares of common
stock and OP Units are held in "street" name and accordingly, the number of beneficial owners of such shares of common stock
and OP Units is not known or included in the foregoing number.
Dividends
We intend to pay regular quarterly dividends to holders of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock.
Any distributions we pay in the future will depend upon our actual results of operations, economic conditions and other factors
that could differ materially from our current expectations. Our actual results of operations will be affected by a number of
factors, including the revenue we receive from our properties, our operating expenses, interest expense, the ability of our
tenants to meet their obligations and unanticipated expenditures. Distributions declared by us will be authorized by our board
of directors in its sole discretion out of funds legally available therefore and will be dependent upon a number of factors,
including restrictions under applicable law, our capital requirements and the distribution requirements necessary to maintain our
qualification as a REIT. See Item 1A, "Risk Factors," and Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Conditions and Results of Operations," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for information regarding the sources of funds
used for dividends and for a discussion of factors, if any, which may adversely affect our ability to make distributions to our
securityholders.
43
Earnings and profits, which determine the tax treatment of distributions to securityholders, will differ from income
reported for financial reporting purposes due to the differences for federal income tax purposes, including, but not limited to,
treatment of loss on extinguishment of debt, revenue recognition, compensation expense, and basis of depreciable assets and
estimated useful lives used to compute depreciation. The 2015 dividends of $0.34 per share are classified for income tax
purposes as 100.0% taxable ordinary dividends.
Stockholder Return Performance
The following graph is a comparison of the cumulative total stockholder return on our Class A common stock, the
Standard & Poor's 500 Index (the "S&P 500 Index"), the NAREIT All Equity Index (the "NAREIT All Equity Index") and the
NAREIT Office Index ("NAREIT Office Index"). The graph assumes that $100.00 was invested on October 7, 2013 and
dividends were reinvested without the payment of any commissions. There can be no assurance that the performance of our
shares will continue in line with the same or similar trends depicted in the graph below.
October 7,
2013
December 31,
2013
March 31,
2014
June 30,
2014
September 30,
2014
December 31,
2014
March 31,
2015
June 30,
2015
September 30,
2015
December 31,
2015
Empire State
Realty Trust, Inc.
$ 100.00 $
115.77
$ 114.99 $ 126.22 $
115.50 $
135.85
$ 146.06 $ 133.10 $
133.55 $
S&P 500 Index
$ 100.00 $
110.84
$ 112.84 $ 118.75 $
120.09 $
126.01
$ 127.21 $ 127.56 $
119.35 $
142.39
127.75
NAREIT All
Equity Index
NAREIT Office
Index
$ 100.00 $
99.83
$ 108.33 $ 116.05 $
113.17 $
127.81
$ 132.90 $ 120.85 $
122.05 $
131.42
$ 100.00 $
100.71
$ 112.01 $ 118.62 $
112.46 $
126.75
$ 135.25 $ 120.10 $
118.61 $
127.11
The graph shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement of incorporation by reference in
any filing made under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act" and, together with the Securities Act, the "Acts"), and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under
such Acts.
44
Securities Authorized For Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
During 2013, we adopted our Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. Empire State Realty OP, L.P. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan
(the "Plan"). The Plan provides for grants of stock options, shares of restricted Class A common stock, dividend equivalent
rights and other equity-based awards, including LTIP Units, up to an aggregate of 12.2 million shares of our common stock. For
a further discussion of the Plan, see Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements included under Item 8 "Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The following table presents certain information about our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2015:
Number of
securities to be
issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
Number of
securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(excluding
securities reflected
in the first column
of this table)
N/A
N/A
—
N/A
N/A
—
10,206,296
—
10,206,296
Plan Category
Equity compensation plans approved by
securityholders
Equity compensation plans not approved by
securityholders
Total
As of December 31, 2015, we issued 172,880 shares of restricted stock and 1,841,339 LTIP units under the Plan.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities; Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities
None.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
The following table sets forth our selected financial data and should be read in conjunction with our Financial
Statements and notes thereto included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" and Item 7, "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
45
Equity in net income of non-controlled entities
—
—
—
(67,492)
(66,456)
(13,147)
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
2015
2014
Year Ended December 31,
October 7,
through
December 31,
2013
January 1,
through
October 6,
2013
Year Ended December 31,
2012
2011
The Company
The Predecessor
$
657,634
$
635,326
$
127,583
$ 206,072
$
260,294
$
294,788
Operating Data
Total revenues
Operating expenses:
Property operating expenses
Ground rent expenses
Marketing, general, and administrative expenses
Observatory expenses
Construction expenses
Real estate taxes
Formation transaction expenses
Acquisition expenses
Depreciation and amortization
Total operating expenses
Operating income (loss)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense
Settlement expense
Gain on consolidation of non-controlled entities
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income tax (expense) benefit
Net income (loss)
Private perpetual preferred unit distributions
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
Net income (loss) attributable to the predecessor
Net income attributable to common stockholders
Dividends and distributions declared and paid per share
Net income per share attributable to common stockholders
- basic
Net income per share attributable to common stockholders
- diluted
Total weighted average shares - basic
Total weighted average shares - diluted
Balance Sheet Data
Commercial real estate properties, at cost
Total assets
Debt
Equity
Predecessor owners' equity (deficit)
Other Data
Funds from operations attributable to common
stockholders and non-controlling interests (1)
Modified funds from operations attributable to common
stockholders and non-controlling interests (2)
Core funds from operations attributable to common
stockholders and non-controlling interests (3)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
______________
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
41,297
—
23,600
—
19,821
24,331
4,507
—
38,963
152,519
53,553
14,875
(50,660)
(55,000)
—
55,707
—
20,963
—
19,592
30,406
2,247
—
42,690
171,605
88,689
57,102
—
15,688
—
46,230
29,160
2,845
—
35,513
186,538
108,250
14,348
(54,394)
3,893
(54,746)
—
—
—
—
74,865
(4,655)
70,210
(476)
(37,232)
48,643
—
—
193,431
(37,232)
48,643
(43,067)
(118,186)
—
—
—
—
—
—
57,397
—
57,397
—
—
—
37,232
(48,643)
(57,397)
75,245
$
— $
— $
—
160,969
151,048
9,326
38,073
29,843
3,222
93,165
—
193
171,474
506,265
151,369
5,339
39,037
29,041
38,596
82,131
—
3,382
145,431
494,005
141,321
34,055
398
16,379
5,687
5,468
17,191
—
138,140
27,375
244,693
(117,110)
—
—
83,877
(3,949)
79,928
(936)
(45,262)
—
33,730
0.34
0.30
0.29
114,245
266,621
2,276,330
3,300,650
1,632,416
1,372,686
—
26,667
0.34
0.27
0.27
97,941
254,506
2,139,863
3,283,497
1,598,654
1,381,097
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
—
322,563
192,306
1,125
—
0.0795
0.79
0.79
95,463
244,420
1,649,423
2,459,862
1,191,913
1,003,185
— $
— $
—
249,924
257,755
257,677
203,187
(142,316)
(59,918)
$
$
$
$
$
$
214,849
219,452
227,422
138,558
(299,057)
145,488
$
$
$
$
$
$
220,783
221,181
41,793
(131,927)
(620,307)
696,017
$
$
$
$
$
$
46
$
939,330
$
856,151
$ 1,052,553
$ 1,004,971
996,489
$
939,705
— $
—
(10,859)
$
1,294
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
7,432
7,432
62,432
73,381
97,943
97,943
97,943
94,353
$
$
$
$
$
$
99,761
99,761
99,761
47,682
(60,527)
11,130
(56,450)
$ (108,281)
48,530
$
(20,889)
(1) We compute Funds From Operations ("FFO") in accordance with the “White Paper” on FFO published by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts,
or NAREIT, which defines FFO as net income (loss) (determined in accordance with GAAP), excluding impairment writedowns of investments in depreciable real
estate and investments in in-substance real estate investments, gains or losses from debt restructurings and sales of depreciable operating properties, plus real estate-
related depreciation and amortization (excluding amortization of deferred financing costs), less distributions to non-controlling interests and gains/losses from
discontinued operations and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. FFO is a widely recognized non-GAAP financial measure for REITs
that we believe, when considered with financial statements determined in accordance with GAAP, is useful to investors in understanding financial performance and
providing a relevant basis for comparison among REITs. In addition, FFO is useful to investors as it captures features particular to real estate performance by
recognizing that real estate has generally appreciated over time or maintains residual value to a much greater extent than do other depreciable assets. Investors should
review FFO, along with GAAP net income, when trying to understand an equity REIT’s operating performance. We present FFO because we consider it an important
supplemental measure of our operating performance and believe that it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation
of REITs. However, because FFO excludes depreciation and amortization and captures neither the changes in the value of our properties that results from use or
market conditions nor the level of capital expenditures and leasing commissions necessary to maintain the operating performance of our properties, all of which have
real economic effect and could materially impact our results from operations, the utility of FFO as a measure of our performance is limited. There can be no assurance
that FFO presented by us is comparable to similarly titled measures of other REITs. FFO does not represent cash generated from operating activities and should not
be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) determined in accordance with GAAP or to cash flow from operating activities determined in accordance with
GAAP. FFO is not indicative of cash available to fund ongoing cash needs, including the ability to make cash distributions. Although FFO is a measure used for
comparability in assessing the performance of REITs, as the NAREIT White Paper only provides guidelines for computing FFO, the computation of FFO may vary
from one company to another. For a reconciliation of FFO, see "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -
Funds from Operations."
(2) Modified FFO adds back an adjustment for any above or below-market ground lease amortization to traditionally defined FFO. We consider this a useful
supplemental measure in evaluating our operating performance due to the non-cash accounting treatment under GAAP, which stems from the third quarter 2014
acquisition of the two option properties as they carry significantly below market ground leases, the amortization of which is material to our overall results. We present
Modified FFO because we consider it an important supplemental measure of our operating performance in that it adds back the non-cash amortization of below-
market ground leases. There can be no assurance that Modified FFO presented by us is comparable to similarly titled measures of other REITs. Modified FFO does
not represent cash generated from operating activities and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) determined in accordance with GAAP or to
cash flow from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP. Modified FFO is not indicative of cash available to fund ongoing cash needs, including the
ability to make cash distributions.
(3) Core FFO adds back to traditionally defined FFO the following items associated with our initial public offering, or IPO, and formation transactions: gain on
consolidation of non-controlling entities, acquisition expenses, severance expenses and retirement equity compensation expenses. It also adds back private perpetual
preferred exchange offering expenses, acquisition expenses, prepayment penalty and deferred financing costs write-off and gain on settlement of lawsuit related to the
Observatory, net of income taxes and ground lease amortization, construction severance expenses and acquisition break-up fee. We present Core FFO because we
consider it an important supplemental measure of our operating performance in that it excludes items associated with the Offering and formation transactions. There
can be no assurance that Core FFO presented by us is comparable to similarly titled measures of other REITs. Core FFO does not represent cash generated from
operating activities and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) determined in accordance with GAAP or to cash flow from operating activities
determined in accordance with GAAP. Core FFO is not indicative of cash available to fund ongoing cash needs, including the ability to make cash distributions. For a
reconciliation of Core FFO, see "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Core Funds from Operations."
47
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
“Exchange Act”). For these statements, we claim the protections of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained
in such Section. Forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to
predict and are generally beyond our control. In particular, statements pertaining to our capital resources, portfolio
performance, dividend policy and results of operations contain forward-looking statements. Likewise, all of our statements
regarding anticipated growth in our portfolio from operations, acquisitions and anticipated market conditions, demographics
and results of operations are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties
and you should not rely on them as predictions of future events. You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of
forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “intends,”
“plans,” “estimates,” “contemplates,” “aims,” “continues,” “would” or “anticipates” or the negative of these words and
phrases or similar words or phrases. Forward-looking statements depend on assumptions, data or methods which may be
incorrect or imprecise and we may not be able to realize them. We do not guarantee that the transactions and events described
will happen as described (or that they will happen at all). The following factors, among others, could cause actual results and
future events to differ materially from those set forth or contemplated in the forward-looking statements:
• the factors included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including those set forth under the heading "Business,"
Risk Factors," and "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations";
• changes in our industry, the real estate markets, either nationally or in Manhattan or the greater New York
metropolitan area;
• resolution of the litigations and arbitration involving the company;
• reduced demand for office or retail space;
• new office development in our market;
• general volatility of the capital and credit markets and the market price of our Class A common stock and our
publicly-traded OP Units;
• changes in our business strategy;
• changes in technology and market competition, which affect utilization of our broadcast or other facilities;
• changes in domestic or international tourism, including geopolitical events and currency exchange rates;
• defaults on, early terminations of or non-renewal of leases by tenants;
• bankruptcy or insolvency of a major tenant or a significant number of smaller tenants;
• fluctuations in interest rates;
• increased operating costs;
• declining real estate valuations and impairment charges;
• termination or expiration of our ground leases;
• availability, terms and deployment of capital;
• our failure to obtain necessary outside financing, including our unsecured revolving credit facility;
• our leverage;
• decreased rental rates or increased vacancy rates;
• our failure to generate sufficient cash flows to service our outstanding indebtedness;
• our failure to redevelop and reposition properties successfully or on the anticipated timeline or at the anticipated
costs;
• difficulties in identifying properties to acquire and completing acquisitions;
• risks of real estate development (including our Metro Tower development site), including the cost of construction
delays and cost overruns;
• failure to operate properties successfully;
• inability to manage our growth effectively;
• inability to make distributions to our securityholders in the future;
• impact of changes in governmental regulations, tax law and rates and similar matters;
• failure to continue to qualify as a REIT;
• a future terrorist event in the U.S.;
• environmental uncertainties and risks related to adverse weather conditions and natural disasters;
• lack or insufficient amounts of insurance;
• unavailability of, and inability to attract and retain, qualified personnel;
48
• conflicts of interest affecting any of our senior management team;
• misunderstanding of our competition;
• changes in real estate and zoning laws and increases in real property tax rates;
• broadcasting competition and changes in the broadcasting of signals over the air;
• risks associated with security breaches through cyberattacks, cyber intrusions or otherwise, as well as other
significant disruptions of our technology (IT) networks related systems, which support our operations and our
buildings; and
• inability to comply with the laws, rules and regulations applicable to companies and, in particular, public
companies.
While forward-looking statements reflect our good faith beliefs, they are not guarantees of future performance. We
disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changes in underlying
assumptions or factors, of new information, data or methods, future events or other changes after the date of this Annual Report
on Form 10-K, except as required by applicable law. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could impact our
future results, performance or transactions, see the section entitled “Risk Factors" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. You
should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are based only on information currently available to
us.
Overview
Unless the context otherwise requires or indicates, references in this section to "we," "our" and "us" refer to (i) our
company and its consolidated subsidiaries (including our operating partnership) after giving effect to our initial public
offering, or the Offering, and the formation transactions and (ii) our predecessor before giving effect to the Offering and the
formation transactions.
With the completion of the Offering and the formation transactions, the historical operations of our predecessor and
the properties that have been operated through our predecessor, were combined with our company, our operating partnership
and/or their subsidiaries. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with "Selected Financial Data,"
and our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and for the years ended December 31, 2015,
2014 and 2013 and the notes related thereto which are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
2015 Highlights
• Achieved Core FFO of $0.97 per fully diluted share and net income attributable to the Company of $0.29 per fully diluted
share.
• Executed 245 leases, representing 1,209,145 rentable square feet across the total portfolio, achieving a 73.7% increase
in mark-to-market rent over previously fully escalated rents on new, renewal, and expansion leases; 177 of these leases,
representing 958,704 rentable square feet, were within the Manhattan office portfolio (excluding the retail component of
these properties) capturing a 43.3% increase in mark-to-market rent over previously fully escalated rents on new, renewal
and expansion leases.
• Executed 12 leases, representing 70,940 rentable square feet within the Manhattan retail portfolio, achieving a 474.1%
increase in mark-to-market rent over previously fully escalated rents on new, renewal, and expansion leases.
•
Signed 93 new leases representing 728,264 rentable square feet in 2015 for the Manhattan office portfolio (excluding the
retail component of these properties), achieving an increase of 53.8% in mark-to-market rent over expired previously
fully escalated rents.
• The Empire State Building Observatory revenue grew 0.6% to $112.2 million from $111.5 million in 2014.
• Declared and paid aggregate dividends of $0.34 per share during 2015.
• Recast our $800 million corporate credit facility, converting it from a secured to an unsecured facility, reducing its interest
rate and extending its maturity by one year.
• Completed a private placement of $350 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes with a blended
12.5 year average life and 4.08% coupon.
49
• Closed on a new seven year $265.0 million senior unsecured term loan facility.
• Repaid a $44 million mortgage loan on 1359 Broadway and a $91 million mortgage loan on One Grand Central Place.
As of December 31, 2015, our total portfolio, containing 10.1 million rentable square feet of office and retail space,
was 87.3% occupied. Including signed leases not yet commenced, our total portfolio was 89.1% leased at December 31, 2015.
Our Manhattan area office properties were 84.9% occupied (or 87.2% giving effect to leases signed but not yet commenced as
of that date) and our greater New York metropolitan area office properties were 93.9% occupied (or 94.2% giving effect to
leases signed but not yet commenced as of that date). Our office properties as a whole were 86.7% occupied (or 88.6% giving
effect to leases signed but not yet commenced as of that date). Our ability to increase occupancy and rental revenue at our
office properties depends on the successful completion of our repositioning program as described below and market conditions.
The other component of our real estate segment, retail leasing, comprises both standalone retail properties and retail space in
our Manhattan office properties. Our retail properties, including retail space in our Manhattan office properties, were 94.3%
occupied (or 94.6% giving effect to leases signed but not yet commenced as of that date) as of December 31, 2015.
The Empire State Building is our flagship property. The Empire State Building provides us with a diverse source of
revenue through its office and retail leases, observatory operations and broadcasting licenses, and related leased space. Our
observatory operations is a separate accounting segment following the Offering and related formation transactions. Our
observatory operations are subject to regular patterns of tourist activity in Manhattan. During the past ten years of our annual
observatory revenue, approximately 16% to 18% was realized in the first quarter, 26.0% to 28.0% was realized in the second
quarter, 31.0% to 33.0% was realized in the third quarter, and 23.0% to 25.0% was realized in the fourth quarter. The
components of the Empire State Building revenue are as follows (dollars in thousands):
Office leases
Retail leases
Tenant reimbursements & other income
Observatory operations
Broadcasting licenses and leases
Total
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2014
$ 108,873
37.5% $
105,922
11,092
37,021
112,172
20,877
3.8%
12.8%
38.7%
7.2%
9,663
35,593
111,541
20,575
37.4%
3.4%
12.5%
39.4%
7.3%
$ 290,035
100.0% $
283,294
100.0%
From 2002 through 2006, we gradually gained full control of the day-to-day management of our Manhattan office
properties (with the estate of Leona M. Helmsley previously holding certain approval rights at some of these properties as a
result of its interest in the entities owning the properties). Since then, we have been undertaking a comprehensive
redevelopment and repositioning strategy of our Manhattan office properties that has included the physical improvement
through upgrades and modernization of, and tenant upgrades in, such properties. Since we assumed full control of the day-to-
day management of our Manhattan office properties beginning with One Grand Central Place in 2002, and through
December 31, 2015, we have invested a total of approximately $645.0 million (excluding tenant improvement costs and leasing
commissions) in our Manhattan office properties pursuant to this program. The $645.0 million includes amounts invested at our
recently acquired properties, 1400 Broadway and 111 West 33rd Street (formerly known as 112 West 34th Street). Of the
$645.0 million invested pursuant to this program, $331.0 million was invested at the Empire State Building. We currently
estimate that between $30.0 million and $50.0 million of capital is needed primarily in 2016 to complete substantially the
redevelopment and repositioning program at our Manhattan office properties. We intend to fund these capital improvements
through a combination of operating cash flow and borrowings. These estimates are based on our current budgets (which do not
include tenant improvement and leasing commission costs) and are subject to change.
These improvements, within our redevelopment and repositioning program, include restored, renovated and upgraded
or new lobbies; elevator modernization; renovated public areas and bathrooms; refurbished or new windows; upgrade and
standardization of retail storefront and signage; façade restorations; modernization of building-wide systems; and enhanced
tenant amenities. These improvements are designed to improve the overall value and attractiveness of our properties and have
contributed significantly to our tenant repositioning efforts, which seek to increase our occupancy; raise our rental rates;
increase our rentable square feet; increase our aggregate rental revenue; lengthen our average lease term; increase our average
lease size; and improve our tenant credit quality. We have also aggregated smaller spaces in order to offer larger blocks of
office space, including multiple floors, that are attractive to larger, higher credit-quality tenants and to offer new, pre-built suites
with improved layouts. This strategy has shown what we believe to be attractive results to date, and we believe has the potential
50
to improve our operating margins and cash flows in the future. We believe we will continue to enhance our tenant base and
improve rents as our pre-redevelopment leases continue to expire and be re-leased.
As of December 31, 2015, excluding principal amortization, we have no debt maturing in 2016 and approximately
$355.8 million of debt maturing in 2017, and we have total debt outstanding of approximately $1.6 billion, with a weighted
average interest rate of 4.12% (excluding premiums and discount) and a weighted average maturity of 5.4 years and 81.4% of
which is fixed-rate indebtedness. Our consolidated debt to total market capitalization was approximately 25% as of December
31, 2015.
As of March 27, 2015, we no longer solicited new business for our construction management business. We completed
all projects that were in progress.
Results of Operations
Overview
The discussion below relates to the financial condition and results of operations for the years ended December 31,
2015, 2014, and 2013.
Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2014
The following table summarizes the historical results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in thousands):
Revenues:
Rental revenue
Tenant expense reimbursement
Observatory revenue
Construction revenue
Third-party management and other fees
Other revenues and fees
Total revenues
Operating expenses:
Property operating expenses
Ground rent expenses
Marketing, general and administrative expenses
Observatory expenses
Construction expenses
Real estate taxes
Acquisition expenses
Depreciation and amortization
Total operating expenses
Operating income
Interest expense
Income before income taxes
Income tax expense
Net income
Private perpetual preferred unit distributions
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
Net income attributable to common shareholders
Rental Revenue
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2014
Change
%
$
$
447,784
79,516
112,172
1,981
2,133
14,048
657,634
160,969
9,326
38,073
29,843
3,222
93,165
193
171,474
506,265
151,369
(67,492)
83,877
(3,949)
79,928
(936)
(45,262)
33,730
$
$ 400,825
67,651
111,541
38,648
2,376
14,285
635,326
151,048
5,339
39,037
29,041
38,596
82,131
3,382
145,431
494,005
141,321
(66,456)
74,865
(4,655)
70,210
(476)
(43,067)
26,667
$
$
46,959
11,865
631
(36,667)
(243)
(237)
22,308
9,921
3,987
(964)
802
(35,374)
11,034
(3,189)
26,043
12,260
10,048
(1,036)
9,012
706
9,718
(460)
(2,195)
7,063
11.7 %
17.5 %
0.6 %
(94.9)%
(10.2)%
(1.7)%
3.5 %
6.6 %
74.7 %
(2.5)%
2.8 %
(91.7)%
13.4 %
(94.3)%
17.9 %
2.5 %
7.1 %
1.6 %
12.0 %
(15.2)%
13.8 %
(96.6)%
(5.1)%
26.5 %
The increase in rental income was primarily attributable to the acquisition of two properties during July 2014 which
increased rental income by $38.6 million. The remaining increase is primarily due to increased rental rates.
51
Tenant Expense Reimbursement
The increase in tenant expense reimbursement was primarily attributable to the acquisition of two properties during
July 2014 which increased tenant expense reimbursements by $6.1 million. Higher real estate tax reimbursements, electric
submeter expense reimbursements and cleaning reimbursements also contributed to the increase.
Observatory Revenue
2015 Observatory revenues were consistent with the 2014 revenues.
Construction Revenue
The construction business ceased operations during 2015 which is reflected in the decline in construction revenues.
Third-Party Management and Other Fees
The decrease in third party management and other fees revenue was primarily due to the acquisition of two properties
during July 2014 and the subsequent elimination of fees due to the consolidation of these properties.
Other Revenues and Fees
The decrease in other revenues and fees was primarily due to lower lease cancellation income of $4.1 million offset by
$2.5 million acquisition break-up fee income and increased parking income of $0.7 million.
Property Operating Expenses
The increase in property operating expenses was primarily attributable to the acquisition of two properties during July
2014 which increased property operating expenses by $10.1 million.
Ground Rent Expenses
The increase in ground rent expenses was attributable to the acquisition of two properties during July 2014.
Marketing, General and Administrative Expenses
The variance is primarily due to private perpetual preferred exchange offering costs of $1.4 million which were
incurred in the year ended 2014 and no such costs in 2015.
Observatory Expenses
2015 Observatory expenses were consistent with the 2014 expenses.
Construction Expenses
The decline in construction expenses correlates with the lower revenues due to the construction business ceasing
operation in 2015. Construction expenses in 2015 included severance expenses of $0.9 million.
Real Estate Taxes
The increase in real estate taxes was primarily attributable to the acquisition of two properties during July 2014 which
increased real estate taxes by $5.9 million, as well as higher taxes of $5.1 million resulting from higher assessed values and
rates for several properties.
Acquisition Expenses
The decrease in acquisition expenses was primarily attributable to the acquisition of two properties during July 2014.
Depreciation and Amortization
The increase in depreciation and amortization was primarily attributable to the acquisition of two properties during
July 2014 which increased depreciation and amortization by $23.4 million.
Interest Expense
52
The increase in interest expense was attributable to the acquisition of two properties during July 2014 and the write-off
of $1.7 million of deferred finance costs related to the recast of the credit facility and the early repayments of mortgage loans.
These higher expenses were partially offset by reductions in interest rates for debt refinanced during 2014 and 2015.
Income taxes
Income taxes decreased due to taxable income activities within our TRSs, primarily lower taxable income related to
our construction operations and Observatory operations.
Private Perpetual Preferred Unit Distributions
Represents distributions to holders of private perpetual preferred units which were issued in August 2014.
Net Income Attributable to Non-controlling Interests
The variance reflects the non-controlled interests' share of the variances discussed above.
Year Ended December 31, 2014 Compared to the Period from October 7, 2013 through December 31, 2013
The following table summarizes the historical results of operations for year ended December 31, 2014 and the period
from October 7, 2013 through December 31, 2013 (amounts in thousands):
Revenues:
Rental revenue
Tenant expense reimbursement
Observatory revenue
Construction revenue
Third-party management and other fees
Other revenues and fees
Total revenues
Operating expenses:
Property operating expenses
Ground rent expenses
Marketing, general and administrative expenses
Observatory expenses
Construction expenses
Real estate taxes
Acquisition expenses
Depreciation and amortization
Total operating expenses
Operating income (loss)
Interest expense
Gain on consolidation of non-controlled entities
Income before income taxes
Income tax (expense) benefit
Net income
Private perpetual preferred unit distributions
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
Net income attributable to common shareholders
Year Ended
December 31,
2014
Period from
October 7, 2013
through
December 31,
2013
Change
%
$
400,825
$
79,987
$
320,838
67,651
111,541
38,648
2,376
14,285
15,836
23,735
5,265
550
2,210
51,815
87,806
33,383
1,826
12,075
635,326
127,583
507,743
151,048
5,339
39,037
29,041
38,596
82,131
3,382
145,431
494,005
141,321
(66,456)
—
74,865
(4,655)
70,210
(476)
(43,067)
26,667
34,055
398
16,379
5,687
5,468
17,191
138,140
27,375
244,693
(117,110)
(13,147)
322,563
192,306
1,125
193,431
—
(118,186)
75,245
$
$
116,993
4,941
22,658
23,354
33,128
64,940
(134,758)
118,056
249,312
258,431
(53,309)
(322,563)
(117,441)
(5,780)
(123,221)
(476)
75,119
(48,578)
$
53
401.1 %
327.2 %
369.9 %
634.1 %
332.0 %
546.4 %
398.0 %
343.5 %
1,241.5 %
138.3 %
410.7 %
605.9 %
377.8 %
(97.6)%
431.3 %
101.9 %
(220.7)%
405.5 %
(100.0)%
(61.1)%
(513.8)%
(63.7)%
(1)
(63.6)%
(64.6)%
_______________
Not meaningful.
(1)
We did not have any meaningful operating activity until the consummation of the Offering and the related acquisition
of our predecessor and certain non-controlled entities controlled by our predecessor on October 7, 2013 as part of the formation
transactions. See Footnote 1 “Description of Business and Organization” to the financial statements of this Annual Report in
Form 10-K for a description of the Offering and formation transactions. Our operations commenced upon completion of the
Offering and related formation transactions on October 7, 2013. Consequently, the results of operations for 2013 reflect a
partial year and are not comparable to the results of operations for the full year 2014.
Acquisition Expenses
Acquisition expenses decreased by $134.8 million due to the completion of the formation transactions in 2013.
Acquisition expenses in 2014 are attributable to the acquisition of two properties during July 2014.
Gain on Consolidation of Non-controlled Entities
The gain on consolidation of non-controlled entities in 2013 reflects gains associated with the acquisition of the four
non-controlled properties upon the completion of the Offering and related formation transactions on October 7, 2013. The gain
was primarily a result of the fair value exceeding the book value of our predecessor ownership interests in the four non-
controlled entities plus the elimination of the intercompany ground and building leases.
Income taxes
Income taxes increased due to taxable income activities within our TRSs, primarily taxable income related to our
Observatory operations, third party management fees, construction income, and certain cleaning income.
Private Perpetual Preferred Unit Distributions
Represents distributions to holders of private perpetual preferred units, which were issued in August 2014.
Year Ended December 31, 2014 Compared to the Predecessor Period from January 1, 2013 through October 6,
2013
The following table summarizes the historical results of operations for year ended December 31, 2014 and the
Predecessor period from January 1, 2013 through October 6, 2013 (amounts in thousands):
54
The Company
Year Ended
December 31,
2014
The
Predecessor
Period from
January 1,
2013 through
October 6, 2013
Change
%
$
400,825
$
148,690
$
252,135
67,651
111,541
38,648
2,376
14,285
21,272
—
18,636
5,067
12,407
46,379
111,541
20,012
(2,691)
1,878
635,326
206,072
429,254
151,048
5,339
39,037
29,041
38,596
82,131
—
3,382
145,431
494,005
141,321
—
(66,456)
—
74,865
(4,655)
70,210
(476)
(43,067)
—
41,297
—
23,600
—
19,821
24,331
4,507
—
38,963
152,519
53,553
14,875
(50,660)
(55,000)
(37,232)
—
(37,232)
—
—
37,232
$
26,667
$
— $
109,751
5,339
15,437
29,041
18,775
57,800
(4,507)
3,382
106,468
341,486
87,768
(14,875)
(15,796)
55,000
112,097
(4,655)
107,442
(476)
(43,067)
(37,232)
26,667
169.6 %
218.0 %
(1)
107.4 %
(53.1)%
15.1 %
208.3 %
265.8 %
(1)
65.4 %
(1)
94.7 %
237.6 %
(100.0)%
(1)
273.3 %
223.9 %
163.9 %
(100.0)%
31.2 %
(100.0)%
(301.1)%
(1)
(288.6)%
(1)
(1)
(100.0)%
(1)
Revenues:
Rental revenue
Tenant expense reimbursement
Observatory revenue
Construction revenue
Third-party management and other fees
Other revenues and fees
Total revenues
Operating expenses:
Property operating expenses
Ground rent expenses
Marketing, general and administrative expenses
Observatory expenses
Construction expenses
Real estate taxes
Formation transaction expenses
Acquisition expenses
Depreciation and amortization
Total operating expenses
Operating income (loss)
Equity in net income of non-controlled entities
Interest expense
Settlement expense
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income tax (expense) benefit
Net income (loss)
Private perpetual preferred unit distributions
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
Net loss attributable to the predecessor
Net income attributable to common shareholders
_______________
Not meaningful.
(1)
We did not have any meaningful operating activity until the consummation of the Offering and the related acquisition
of our predecessor and certain non-controlled entities controlled by our predecessor on October 7, 2013 as part of the formation
transactions. See Footnote 1 “Description of Business and Organization” to the financial statements of this Annual Report in
Form 10-K for a description of the Offering and formation transactions. Our operations commenced upon completion of the
Offering and related formation transactions on October 7, 2013. Consequently, our Predecessor's results of operations for 2013
reflect a partial year and are not comparable to the results of operations for the full year 2014.
Formation transaction expenses
The expenses incurred in 2013 reflect costs associated with the formation of our company.
Acquisition Expenses
55
Acquisition expenses in 2014 are attributable to the acquisition of two properties during July 2014.
Equity in net income of non-controlling entities
Reflects net income from the Predecessor's investments in four non-controlled entities. These entities were acquired by
us during the formation transactions.
Settlement Expense
Settlement expense of $55.0 million reflects costs associated with the settlement of litigation during the year ended
December 31, 2013. On September 28, 2012, a Stipulation of Settlement resolving the Original Class Actions was entered into.
The terms of the settlement include, amongst other things, a payment of $55.0 million, with a minimum of 80% in cash and a
maximum of 20% in freely-tradable shares of common stock and/or operating partnership units. As the payment is to be fully
made by the principal owners of certain predecessor entities, $55.0 million was recorded as settlement expense in our
predecessor's statement of operations, with a corresponding $55.0 million capital contribution to our predecessor at that time.
Income taxes
Income taxes are due to taxable income activities within our TRSs, primarily taxable income related to our
Observatory operations, third party management fees, construction income, and certain cleaning income.
Private Perpetual Preferred Unit Distributions
Represents distributions to holders of private perpetual preferred units, which were issued in August 2014.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At December 31, 2015, we had approximately $46.7 million available in cash and cash equivalents and there was
$760.0 million available under our unsecured revolving credit facility.
Liquidity is a measure of our ability to meet potential cash requirements, including ongoing commitments to repay
borrowings, fund and maintain our assets and operations, including lease-up costs, fund our redevelopment and repositioning
programs, acquire properties, make distributions to our securityholders and other general business needs. Based on the
historical experience of our management and our business strategy, in the foreseeable future we anticipate we will generate
positive cash flows from operations. In order to qualify as a REIT, we are required under the Code to distribute to our
securityholders, on an annual basis, at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for
dividends paid and excluding net capital gains. We expect to make quarterly distributions to our securityholders.
While we may be able to anticipate and plan for certain liquidity needs, there may be unexpected increases in uses of
cash that are beyond our control and which would affect our financial condition and results of operations. For example, we
may be required to comply with new laws or regulations that cause us to incur unanticipated capital expenditures for our
properties, thereby increasing our liquidity needs. Even if there are no material changes to our anticipated liquidity
requirements, our sources of liquidity may be fewer than, and the funds available from such sources may be less than,
anticipated or needed. Our primary sources of liquidity will generally consist of cash on hand and cash generated from our
operating activities, mortgage financings and unused borrowing capacity under our secured revolving and term credit facility.
We expect to meet our short-term liquidity requirements, including distributions, operating expenses, working capital, debt
service, and capital expenditures from cash flows from operations, debt issuances, and available borrowing capacity under our
unsecured revolving credit facility. The availability of these borrowings is subject to the conditions set forth in the applicable
loan agreements. We expect to meet our long-term capital requirements, including acquisitions, redevelopments and capital
expenditures through our cash flows from operations, our unsecured revolving credit facility, mortgage financings, debt
issuances, common and/or preferred equity issuances and asset sales. Our properties require periodic investments of capital for
individual lease related tenant improvements allowances, general capital improvements and costs associated with capital
expenditures. Our overall leverage will depend on our mix of investments and the cost of leverage. Our charter does not
restrict the amount of leverage that we may use.
As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately $1.6 billion of total consolidated indebtedness outstanding, with a
weighted average interest rate of 4.12% and a weighted average maturity of 5.4 years. As of December 31, 2015, exclusive of
principal amortization, we have no maturities in 2016 and approximately $355.8 million of debt maturing in 2017. Given our
current liquidity, including availability under our unsecured revolving credit facility, we believe we will be able to refinance the
maturing debt.
56
Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility
On January 23, 2015, we entered into an unsecured revolving credit agreement, which is referred to herein as the
“unsecured revolving credit facility,” with Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs and the other lenders party
thereto. Merrill Lynch acted as joint lead arranger; Bank of America acted as administrative agent; and Goldman Sachs acted
as syndication agent and joint lead arranger.
Concurrently with the entering into the unsecured revolving credit facility, on January 23, 2015, we terminated our
previous secured revolving and term credit facility. In connection with the termination of the secured revolving and term
credit facility, all of the guarantors thereunder were released from their guaranty obligations, all liens created thereby were
terminated, and all collateral pledged thereunder was released.
Amount. The unsecured revolving credit facility is comprised of a revolving credit facility in the maximum
original principal amount of $800.0 million. The unsecured revolving credit facility contains an accordion feature that would
allow us to increase the maximum aggregate principal amount to $1.25 billion under specified circumstances.
Guarantors. Certain of our subsidiaries are guarantors of our obligations under the unsecured revolving credit
facility.
Interest. Amounts outstanding under the unsecured revolving credit facility will bear interest at a floating rate equal
to, at our election, (x) a Eurodollar rate, plus a spread that we expect will range from 0.875% to 1.600% depending upon its
leverage ratio and credit rating; or (y) a base rate, plus a spread that we expect will range from 0.000% to 0.600% depending
upon its leverage ratio and credit rating. In addition, the unsecured revolving credit facility permits us to borrow at
competitive bid rates determined in accordance with the procedures described in the unsecured revolving credit facility.
Maturity. The unsecured revolving credit facility has an initial maturity of January 2019. We have the option to
extend the initial term of the unsecured revolving credit facility for up to two additional six-month periods, subject to certain
conditions, including the payment of an extension fee equal to 0.075% of the then outstanding commitments under the
unsecured revolving credit facility.
Financial Covenants. The unsecured revolving credit facility includes the following financial covenants: (i)
maximum leverage ratio of total indebtedness to total asset value of the loan parties and their consolidated subsidiaries will
not exceed 60%, (ii) consolidated secured indebtedness will not exceed 40% of total asset value, (iii) tangible net worth will
not be less than $745.4 million plus 75% of net equity proceeds received by the operating partnership (other than proceeds
received within ninety (90) days after the redemption, retirement or repurchase of ownership or equity interests in the
operating partnership up to the amount paid by the operating partnership in connection with such redemption, retirement or
repurchase, where, the net effect is that the operating partnership shall not have increased its net worth as a result of any such
proceeds), (iv) adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the unsecured revolving credit facility) to consolidated fixed charges will not
be less than 1.50x, (v) the aggregate net operating income with respect to all unencumbered eligible properties to the portion
of interest expense attributable to unsecured indebtedness will not be less than 1.75x, (vi) the ratio of total unsecured
indebtedness to unencumbered asset value will not exceed 60%, and (vii) consolidated secured recourse indebtedness will
not exceed 10% of total asset value (provided, however, this covenant shall not apply at any time after either the company or
the operating partnership achieves a debt ratings from at least two of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch, and such debt ratings are
Baa3 or better (in the case of a rating by Moody’s) or BBB- or better (in the case of a rating by S&P or Fitch)). As of
December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with the covenants:
Financial covenant
Maximum total leverage
Maximum secured debt
Minimum fixed charge coverage
Minimum unencumbered interest coverage
Maximum unsecured leverage
Maximum secured recourse indebtedness
Minimum tangible net worth
Required
December 31,
2015
In Compliance
< 60%
< 40%
> 1.50x
> 1.75x
< 60%
<10%
29.8%
13.6%
4.0x
7.3x
25.0%
—%
$
745,356 $
969,060
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Other Covenants. The unsecured revolving credit facility contains customary covenants, including limitations on
liens, investment, debt, fundamental changes, and transactions with affiliates, and will require certain customary financial
reports.
57
Events of Default. The unsecured revolving credit facility contains customary events of default (subject in certain
cases to specified cure periods), including but not limited to non-payment, breach of covenants, representations or
warranties, cross defaults, bankruptcy or other insolvency events, judgments, ERISA events, invalidity of loan documents,
loss of real estate investment trust qualification, and occurrence of a change of control (defined in the definitive
documentation for the unsecured credit facility).
Secured Revolving and Term Credit Facility
As of December 31, 2014, the secured revolving and term credit facility had an outstanding balance of $470.0 million.
The secured revolving and term credit facility was terminated on January 23, 2015 concurrent with entering into the unsecured
revolving credit facility described above.
Senior Unsecured Notes
During March 2015, we issued and sold an aggregate principal amount of $350.0 million of senior unsecured notes
("Series A, B and C Senior Notes") in a private placement to entities affiliated with Prudential Capital Group. The Series A, B
and C Senior Notes consist of $100 million of 3.93% Series A Senior Notes due 2025, $125 million of 4.09% Series B Senior
Notes due 2027, and $125 million of 4.18% Series C Senior Notes due 2030. The proceeds were used to repay outstanding
mortgage debt, to reduce amounts outstanding under our unsecured credit facility and for other general corporate purposes.
The Series A, B and C Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations and are unconditionally guaranteed by each of
our subsidiaries that guarantees indebtedness under the senior unsecured revolving credit facility. Interest on the Series A, B
and C Senior Notes is payable quarterly.
The terms of the Series A, B and C Senior Notes include customary covenants, including limitations on liens,
investment, debt, fundamental changes, and transactions with affiliates and will require certain customary financial reports. It
also requires compliance with financial ratios consistent with the unsecured credit facility including a maximum leverage ratio,
a maximum secured leverage ratio, a minimum amount of tangible net worth, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, a
minimum unencumbered interest coverage ratio, a maximum unsecured leverage ratio and a maximum amount of secured
recourse indebtedness. As of December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with the covenants under the Series A, B and C
Senior Notes.
Unsecured Term Loan Facility
During August 2015, we closed on a seven year $265.0 million senior unsecured term loan facility ("term loan
facility"). The term loan facility matures on August 24, 2022. The term loan facility bears interest at a floating rate equal to, at
our election, a LIBOR rate, plus a spread ranging from 1.400% to 2.350%; or a base rate, plus a spread ranging from 0.400% to
1.350%, in each case such spread is determined by our leverage ratio and credit rating. Pursuant to a forward interest rate swap
agreement, we effectively fixed LIBOR at 2.1485% for $265.0 million of the term loan facility for the period from August 31,
2017 through maturity. The proceeds were used to repay borrowings made under our unsecured revolving credit facility.
The terms of the term loan facility agreement include customary covenants, including limitations on liens, investment,
debt, fundamental changes, and transactions with affiliates and will require certain customary financial reports. It requires
compliance with financial ratios including a maximum leverage ratio, a maximum secured leverage ratio, a minimum amount
of tangible net worth, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, a minimum unencumbered interest coverage ratio, a maximum
unsecured leverage ratio and a maximum amount of secured recourse indebtedness. It also contains customary events of default
(subject in certain cases to specified cure periods). These terms in the term loan facility agreement are consistent with the terms
under our unsecured revolving credit facility agreement. As of December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with the covenants
under the term loan facility.
Senior Unsecured Notes - Exchangeable
During August 2014, we issued $250.0 million principal amount of 2.625% Exchangeable Senior Notes (“Senior
Notes”) due August 2019. In connection with this offering, we received net proceeds of $246.9 million, after deducting the
related underwriting discounts and commissions and issuance costs.
Mortgage debt
As of December 31, 2015, we had mortgage debt outstanding of $747.7 million.
58
During 2015,
(i)
(ii)
we repaid a mortgage collateralized by 1359 Broadway; and
we repaid a mortgage collateralized by One Grand Central Place.
During 2014,
(i)
we refinanced early the Metro Center mortgage loan with a new $100.0 million mortgage loan due 2024
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
which bears interest at a fixed rate of 3.59% and a 30 year amortization;
we repaid the second lien mortgage collateralized by 1350 Broadway;
we repaid the first and second lien mortgages collateralized by 501 Seventh Avenue;
we repaid a mortgage collateralized by 500 Mamaroneck Avenue, and
we refinanced the three One Grand Central Place mortgage loans with a new $91.0 million mortgage loan due
2017 which bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.35%.
Leverage Policies
We expect to employ leverage in our capital structure in amounts determined from time to time by our board of
directors. Although our board of directors has not adopted a policy that limits the total amount of indebtedness that we may
incur, we anticipate that our board of directors will consider a number of factors in evaluating our level of indebtedness from
time to time, as well as the amount of such indebtedness that will be either fixed or floating rate. Our charter and bylaws do not
limit the amount or percentage of indebtedness that we may incur nor do they restrict the form in which our indebtedness will
be taken (including, but not limited to, recourse or non-recourse debt and cross collateralized debt). Our overall leverage will
depend on our mix of investments and the cost of leverage, however, we initially intend to maintain a level of indebtedness
consistent with our plan to seek an investment grade credit rating. Our board of directors may from time to time modify our
leverage policies in light of the then-current economic conditions, relative costs of debt and equity capital, market values of our
properties, general market conditions for debt and equity securities, fluctuations in the market price of our common stock,
growth and acquisition opportunities and other factors.
Capital expenditures
The following tables summarize our tenant improvement costs, leasing commission costs and our capital expenditures
for our 20 properties as if they were consolidated for each of the periods presented (dollars in thousands, except per square foot
amounts). The tables include expenditures for option properties after the acquisition date.
Office Properties(1)
Total New Leases, Expansions, and Renewals
Number of leases signed(2)
Total square feet
Leasing commission costs(3)
Tenant improvement costs(3)
Total leasing commissions and tenant improvement costs(3)
Leasing commission costs per square foot(3)
Tenant improvement costs per square foot(3)
Total leasing commissions and tenant improvement costs per square foot(3)
Retail Properties(4)
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2014
2013
233
229
218
1,138,205
766,635
1,061,216
$
$
$
$
16,452
59,790
76,242
14.45
52.53
66.98
$
$
$
$
10,000
34,720
44,720
13.04
45.29
58.33
$
$
$
$
16,032
49,284
65,316
15.11
46.44
61.55
59
Total New Leases, Expansions, and Renewals
Number of leases signed(2)
Total Square Feet
Leasing commission costs(3)
Tenant improvement costs(3)
Total leasing commissions and tenant improvement costs(3)
Leasing commission costs per square foot(3)
Tenant improvement costs per square foot(3)
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2014
2013
12
70,940
10,262
2,234
12,496
144.67
31.49
$
$
$
10
18,166
1,116
448
1,564
61.43
24.66
$
$
$
12
76,976
5,416
62
5,478
70.36
0.81
$
$
$
Total leasing commissions and tenant improvement costs per square foot(3)
_______________
(1) Excludes an aggregate of 518,792 rentable square feet of retail space in our Manhattan office properties. Includes the Empire State Building broadcasting licenses
176.16
86.09
71.17
$
$
$
and observatory operations.
(2) Presents a renewed and expansion lease as one lease signed.
(3) Presents all tenant improvement and leasing commission costs as if they were incurred in the period in which the lease was signed, which may be different than the
period in which they were actually paid.
(4)
Includes an aggregate of 518,792 rentable square feet of retail space in our Manhattan office properties. Excludes the Empire State Building broadcasting licenses
and observatory operations.
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2014
2013
$
54,811
$
64,788
$
80,285
Total New Leases, Expansions, and Renewals
Total Portfolio
Capital expenditures (1)
_______________
(1)
Includes all capital expenditures, excluding tenant improvements and leasing commission costs, which are primarily attributable to the redevelopment and
repositioning program conducted at our Manhattan office properties.
As of December 31, 2015, we expect to incur additional costs relating to obligations under signed new leases of
approximately $51.2 million during the year ending December 31, 2016. This consists of approximately $50.8 million for
tenant improvements and other improvements related to new leases and approximately $0.4 million on leasing commissions
expected to be incurred in the year ending December 31, 2016. We intend to fund the tenant improvements and leasing
commission costs through a combination of operating cash flow and borrowings under the secured revolving and term credit
facility.
Capital expenditures are considered part of both our short-term and long-term liquidity requirements. We currently
estimate that between $30.0 million and $50.0 million of capital is needed primarily in 2016 to complete substantially the
redevelopment program at our Manhattan office properties, which we expect to occur by the end of 2016. However, these
estimates are based on current budgets and are subject to change. We intend to fund the capital improvements to complete the
redevelopment and repositioning program through a combination of operating cash flow and borrowings under the unsecured
revolving credit facility.
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes the amounts due in connection with our contractual obligations described below for
the years ending December 31, 2016 through 2020 and thereafter (amounts in thousands).
60
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Thereafter
Total
Year Ended December 31,
Mortgages and other debt(1)
Interest expense
Amortization
Principal repayment
Ground lease
Tenant improvement and
leasing commission costs
$
67,401
$
57,699
$
33,615
$
29,544
$
22,871
$ 117,629
$ 328,759
12,387
—
1,518
51,182
10,070
355,761
1,518
2,880
2,188
262,210
290,000
1,518
1,518
2,268
—
1,518
9,706
39,499
692,675
1,600,646
56,730
64,320
—
—
—
—
—
51,182
Total
_______________
(1) Assumes no extension options are exercised.
(2) Does not include various standing or renewal service contracts with vendors related to our property management.
$ 132,488
$ 323,250
$ 425,048
$ 300,223
$
26,657
$ 876,740
$2,084,406
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 31, 2015, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
Distribution Policy
In order to qualify as a REIT, we must distribute to our securityholders, on an annual basis, at least 90% of our REIT
taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains. In addition, we
will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates to the extent that we distribute less than 100% of our net
taxable income (including net capital gains) and will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by
which our distributions in any calendar year are less than a minimum amount specified under U.S. federal income tax laws. We
intend to distribute our net income to our securityholders in a manner intended to satisfy the REIT 90% distribution
requirement and to avoid U.S. federal income tax liability on our income and the 4% nondeductible excise tax.
Before we pay any distribution, whether for U.S. federal income tax purposes or otherwise, we must first meet both
our operating requirements and obligations to make payments of principal and interest, if any. However, under some
circumstances, we may be required to use cash reserves, incur debt or liquidate assets at rates or times that we regard as
unfavorable or make a taxable distribution of our shares in order to satisfy the REIT 90% distribution requirement and to avoid
U.S. federal income tax and the 4% nondeductible excise tax in that year.
Distribution to Equity Holders
Distributions and dividends have been made to equity holders in 2013, 2014 and 2015 as follows (amounts in
thousands):
Period from October 7, 2013 through December 31, 2013
Year ended December 31, 2014
Year ended December 31, 2015
Cash Flows
$
19,516
87,721
91,900
Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 2015 to the Year Ended December 31, 2014
Net cash. Cash on hand was $46.7 million and $45.7 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.
Operating activities. Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $64.6 million to $203.2 million for the
year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $138.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. This is primarily due to the
acquisition of two properties in July 2014 and the expirations of free rent periods.
Investing activities. Net cash used in investing activities decreased by $156.8 million to $142.3 million for the year
ended December 31, 2015 compared to $299.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease is primarily due to
the acquisition of two properties in 2014 partially offset by higher expenditures on tenant improvements.
61
Financing activities. Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities decreased by $205.4 million to $(59.9) million
for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $145.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease is
primarily due to financing associated with the acquisition of two properties in 2014.
Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 2014 to the Period from October 7, 2013 through December 31, 2013
We did not have any meaningful operating activity until the consummation of the Offering and the related acquisition
of our predecessor and certain non-controlled entities controlled by our predecessor on October 7, 2013 as part of the formation
transactions. See Footnote 1 “Description of Business and Organization” to the financial statements of this Annual Report in
Form 10-K for a description of the Offering and formation transactions. Our operations commenced upon completion of the
Offering and related formation transactions on October 7, 2013. Consequently, the cash flows for 2013 reflect the period from
October 7, 2013 through December 31, 2013 and are not comparable to the cash flows for the full year 2014.
Net Operating Income
Our financial reports include a discussion of property net operating income, or NOI. NOI is a non-GAAP financial
measure of performance. NOI is used by investors and our management to evaluate and compare the performance of our
properties and to determine trends in earnings and to compute the fair value of our properties as it is not affected by; (i) the
cost of funds of the property owner, (i) the impact of depreciation and amortization expenses as well as gains or losses from
the sale of operating real estate assets that are included in net income computed in accordance with GAAP, (iii) acquisition
expenses and formation transaction expenses, or (iv) general and administrative expenses and other gains and losses that are
specific to the property owner. The cost of funds is eliminated from net operating income because it is specific to the
particular financing capabilities and constraints of the owner. The cost of funds is also eliminated because it is dependent on
historical interest rates and other costs of capital as well as past decisions made by us regarding the appropriate mix of capital
which may have changed or may change in the future. Depreciation and amortization expenses as well as gains or losses
from the sale of operating real estate assets are eliminated because they may not accurately represent the actual change in
value in our office or retail properties that result from use of the properties or changes in market conditions. While certain
aspects of real property do decline in value over time in a manner that is reasonably captured by depreciation and
amortization, the value of the properties as a whole have historically increased or decreased as a result of changes in overall
economic conditions instead of from actual use of the property or the passage of time. Gains and losses from the sale of real
property vary from property to property and are affected by market conditions at the time of sale which will usually change
from period to period. These gains and losses can create distortions when comparing one period to another or when
comparing our operating results to the operating results of other real estate companies that have not made similarly timed,
purchases or sales. We believe that eliminating these costs from net income is useful because the resulting measure captures
the actual revenue, generated and actual expenses incurred in operating our properties as well as trends in occupancy rates,
rental rates and operating costs.
However, the usefulness of NOI is limited because it excludes general and administrative costs, interest expense,
interest income and other expense, depreciation and amortization expense and gains or losses from the sale of properties, and
other gains and losses as stipulated by GAAP, the level of capital expenditures and leasing costs necessary to maintain the
operating performance of our properties, all of which are significant economic costs. NOI may fail to capture significant
trends in these components of net income which further limits its usefulness.
NOI is a measure of the operating performance of our properties but does not measure our performance as a
whole. NOI is therefore not a substitute for net income as computed in accordance with GAAP. This measure should be
analyzed in conjunction with net income computed in accordance with GAAP and discussions elsewhere in this
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations regarding the components of net
income that are eliminated in the calculation of NOI. Other companies may use different methods for calculating NOI or
similarly entitled measures and, accordingly, our NOI may not-be comparable to similarly entitled measures reported by
other companies that do not define the measure exactly as we do.
The following table presents a reconciliation of our company and predecessor net income, the most directly
comparable GAAP measure, to NOI for the periods presented (amounts in thousands):
62
Net income (loss)
Add:
Marketing, general and administrative expenses
Depreciation and amortization(1)
Interest expense(2)
Construction expenses
Acquisition expenses
Income tax expense (benefit)
Formation transaction expenses(3)
Settlement expense
Less:
Construction revenue
Third-party management and other fees
Acquisition break-up fee
Gain on settlement of lawsuit related to the Observatory
Gain on consolidation of non-controlled entities
The Company
The Predecessor
Year Ended
December 31,
2015
$
79,928
Year Ended
December 31,
2014
70,210
$
Period from
October 7,
2013 to
December 31,
2013
193,431
$
Period from
January 1, 2013
to October 6,
2013
(37,232)
$
38,073
171,474
67,492
3,222
193
3,949
—
—
(1,981)
(2,133)
(2,500)
—
—
39,037
145,431
66,456
38,596
3,382
4,655
—
—
(38,648)
(2,376)
—
(975)
—
16,379
27,375
13,147
5,468
138,140
(1,125)
—
—
(5,265)
(550)
—
—
(322,563)
64,437
23,600
44,792
53,703
19,821
—
—
4,507
55,000
(18,636)
(5,067)
—
—
—
$
140,488
Net operating income
$
357,717
$ 325,768
$
Other Net Operating Income Data
Straight line rental revenue
Net increase in rental revenue from the amortization of above
and below-market lease assets and liabilities
Amortization of acquired below-market ground lease (4)
Ground rent earned from non-controlled entities
Management fees from non-controlled entities
$
$
$
$
$
21,056
19,353
7,831
$
$
$
— $
— $
39,715
14,095
4,603
$
$
$
— $
— $
8,932
$
25,470
1,911
398
$
$
— $
— $
—
—
26,300
1,688
_______________
(1)
Includes adjustment for proportionate share of depreciation and amortization expense relating to non-controlled entities of $5,829 for the period January 1, 2013 to
October 6, 2013.
Includes adjustment for proportionate share of interest expense, net related to non-controlled entities of $3,043 for the period January 1, 2013 to October 6, 2013.
Includes external offering costs incurred that are not directly attributable to the consent solicitation of investors in the existing entities and this offering.
(2)
(3)
Funds from Operations ("FFO")
We present below a discussion of FFO. We compute FFO in accordance with the “White Paper” on FFO published
by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, or NAREIT, which defines FFO as net income (loss)
(determined in accordance with GAAP), excluding impairment writedowns of investments in depreciable real estate and
investments in in-substance real estate investments, gains or losses from debt restructurings and sales of depreciable
operating properties, plus real estate-related depreciation and amortization (excluding amortization of deferred financing
costs), less distributions to non-controlling interests and gains/losses from discontinued operations and after adjustments for
unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. FFO is a widely recognized non-GAAP financial measure for REITs that we
believe, when considered with financial statements determined in accordance with GAAP, is useful to investors in
understanding financial performance and providing a relevant basis for comparison among REITS. In addition, FFO is useful
to investors as it captures features particular to real estate performance by recognizing that real estate has generally
appreciated over time or maintains residual value to a much greater extent than do other depreciable assets. Investors should
review FFO, along with GAAP net income, when trying to understand an equity REIT’s operating performance. We present
FFO because we consider it an important supplemental measure of our operating performance and believe that it is frequently
used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of REITs. However, because FFO excludes
depreciation and amortization and captures neither the changes in the value of our properties that result from use or market
63
conditions nor the level of capital expenditures and leasing commissions necessary to maintain the operating performance of
our properties, all of which have real economic effect and could materially impact our results of operations, the utility of FFO
as a measure of its performance is limited. There can be no assurance that FFO presented by us is comparable to similarly
titled measures of other REITs. FFO does not represent cash generated from operating activities and should not be considered
as an alternative to net income (loss) determined in accordance with GAAP or to cash flow from operating activities
determined in accordance with GAAP. FFO is not indicative of cash available to fund ongoing cash needs, including the
ability to make cash distributions. Although FFO is a measure used for comparability in assessing the performance of REITs,
as the NAREIT White Paper only provides guidelines for computing FFO, the computation of FFO may vary from one
company to another.
Modified Funds From Operations ("Modified FFO")
Modified FFO adds back an adjustment for any above or below-market ground lease amortization to traditionally
defined FFO. We consider this a useful supplemental measure in evaluating our operating performance due to the non-cash
accounting treatment under GAAP, which stems from the third quarter 2014 acquisition of the two option properties as they
carry significantly below market ground leases, the amortization of which is material to our overall results. We present
Modified FFO because we consider it an important supplemental measure of our operating performance in that it adds back
the non-cash amortization of below-market ground leases. There can be no assurance that Modified FFO presented by us is
comparable to similarly titled measures of other REITs. Modified FFO does not represent cash generated from operating
activities and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) determined in accordance with GAAP or to cash
flow from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP. Modified FFO is not indicative of cash available to
fund ongoing cash needs, including the ability to make cash distributions.
Core Funds From Operations ("Core FFO")
Core FFO adds back to traditionally defined FFO the following items associated with the Company's initial public
offering, or IPO, and formation transactions: gain on consolidation of non-controlling entities, acquisition expenses, severance
expenses and retirement equity compensation expenses. It also adds back private perpetual preferred exchange offering
expenses, prepayment penalty expense, deferred financing costs write-off, acquisition expenses, gain on settlement of lawsuit
related to the Observatory, net of income taxes, ground lease amortization, construction severance expenses and acquisition
break-up fee. The Company presents Core FFO because it considers it an important supplemental measure of its operating
performance in that it excludes items associated with its IPO and formation transactions and other non-recurring items. There
can be no assurance that Core FFO presented by the Company is comparable to similarly titled measures of other REITs. Core
FFO does not represent cash generated from operating activities and should not be considered as an alternative to net income
(loss) determined in accordance with GAAP or to cash flow from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP.
Core FFO is not indicative of cash available to fund ongoing cash needs, including the ability to make cash distributions. In
future periods, we may also exclude other items from Core FFO that we believe may help investors compare our results.
The following table presents a reconciliation of our company and predecessor net income (loss), the most directly
comparable GAAP measure, to FFO and Core FFO for the periods presented (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
64
Net income (loss)
Private perpetual preferred unit distributions
Real estate depreciation and amortization (1)
Funds from operations attributable to common
stockholders and non-controlled interests
Amortization of below-market ground leases
Modified funds from operations attributable to
common stockholders and non-controlled interests
Acquisition break-up fee
Prepayment penalty expense and deferred financing costs
write-off
Construction severance expenses, net of income taxes
Acquisition expenses
Gain on settlement of lawsuit related to the Observatory,
net of income taxes
Private perpetual preferred exchange offering expenses
Gain on consolidation of non-controlled entities
Severance expenses
Retirement equity compensation expense
Settlement expense
Core funds from operations attributable to common
stockholders and non-controlled interests
$
$
79,928
(936)
170,932
249,924
7,831
257,755
(2,500)
1,749
480
193
—
—
—
—
—
—
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2015
The Company
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2014
Period from
October 7, 2013
to December
31, 2013
$
193,431
—
27,352
220,783
398
70,210
(476)
145,115
214,849
4,603
219,452
221,181
—
3,771
—
3,382
(540)
1,357
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
138,140
—
—
(322,563)
2,738
2,297
—
The Predecessor
Period from
January 1, 2013
to October 6,
2013
(37,232)
—
44,664
$
7,432
—
7,432
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
55,000
$
257,677
$
227,422
$
41,793
$
62,432
Weighted average shares and Operating Partnership units
Basic
Diluted
265,914
265,914
254,506
254,506
244,420
244,420
FFO attributable to common stockholders and non-
controlled interests per share
Basic
Diluted
Modified FFO attributable to common stockholders
and non-controlled interests per share
Basic
Diluted
Core FFO attributable to common stockholders and
non-controlled interests per share
Basic
$
$
$
$
$
0.94
0.94
0.97
0.97
$
$
$
$
0.84
0.84
0.86
0.86
$
$
$
$
0.90
0.90
0.90
0.90
0.97
$
0.89
$
0.17
Diluted
$
(1) Includes adjustment for proportionate share of real estate depreciation and amortization expense relating to non-controlled entities of $5,701 and $6,772 for the period January 1,
2013 to October 6, 2013.
0.17
0.97
0.89
$
$
Factors That May Influence Future Results of Operations
Rental Revenue
We derive revenues primarily from rents, rent escalations, expense reimbursements and other income received from
tenants under existing leases at each of our properties. “Escalations and expense reimbursements” consist of payments made by
65
tenants to us under contractual lease obligations to reimburse a portion of the property operating expenses and real estate taxes
incurred at each property.
We believe that the average rental rates for in-place leases at our properties are generally below the current market
rates, although individual leases at particular properties presently may be leased above, at or below the current market rates
within its particular submarket.
The amount of net rental income and reimbursements that we receive depends principally on our ability to lease
currently available space, re-lease space to new tenants upon the scheduled or unscheduled termination of leases or renew
expiring leases and to maintain or increase our rental rates. Factors that could affect our rental incomes include, but are not
limited to: local, regional or national economic conditions; an oversupply of, or a reduction in demand for, office or retail
space; changes in market rental rates; our ability to provide adequate services and maintenance at our properties; and
fluctuations in interest rates could adversely affect our rental income in future periods. Future economic or regional downturns
affecting our submarkets or downturns in our tenants’ industries could impair our ability to lease vacant space and renew or re-
lease space as well as the ability of our tenants to fulfill their lease commitments, and could adversely affect our ability to
maintain or increase the occupancy at our properties.
Tenant Credit Risk
The economic condition of our tenants may also deteriorate, which could negatively impact their ability to fulfill their
lease commitments and in turn adversely affect our ability to maintain or increase the occupancy level and/or rental rates of our
properties. Potential tenants may look to consolidate, reduce overhead and preserve operating capital and may also defer
strategic decisions, including entering into new, long-term leases at properties.
Leasing
On a combined basis, we, our predecessor and the non-controlled entities, signed 1.2 million, 0.8 million, and 1.1
million rentable square feet of new leases, expansions and lease renewals, for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and
2013, respectively.
Due to the relatively small number of leases that are signed in any particular quarter, one or more larger leases may
have a disproportionately positive or negative impact on average rent, tenant improvement and leasing commission costs for
that period. As a result, we believe it is more appropriate when analyzing trends in average rent and tenant improvement and
leasing commission costs to review activity over multiple quarters or years. Tenant improvement costs include expenditures for
general improvements occurring concurrently with, but that are not directly related to, the cost of installing a new tenant.
Leasing commission costs are similarly subject to significant fluctuations depending upon the length of leases being signed and
the mix of tenants from quarter to quarter.
As of December 31, 2015, there were approximately 1.1 million rentable square feet of space in our portfolio available
to lease (excluding leases signed but not yet commenced) representing 10.9% of the net rentable square footage of the
properties in our portfolio. In addition, leases representing 7.7% and 7.3% of net rentable square footage of the properties in
our portfolio will expire in 2016 and in 2017, respectively. These leases are expected to represent approximately 8.1% and
8.1%, respectively, of our annualized rent for such periods. Our revenues and results of operations can be impacted by expiring
leases that are not renewed or re-leased or that are renewed or re-leased at base rental rates equal to above or below the current
average base rental rates. Further, our revenues and results of operations can also be affected by the costs we incur to re-lease
available space, including payment of leasing commissions, redevelopments and build-to-suit remodeling that may not be borne
by the tenant.
We believe that as we complete the redevelopment and repositioning of our properties we will, over the long-term,
experience increased occupancy levels and rents. Over the short term, as we renovate and reposition our properties, which
includes aggregating smaller spaces to offer large blocks of space, we may experience lower occupancy levels as a result of
having to relocate tenants to alternative space and the strategic expiration of existing leases. We believe that despite the short-
term lower occupancy levels we may experience, we will continue to experience increased rental revenues as a result of the
increased rents which we expect to obtain in following the redevelopment and repositioning of our properties.
Market Conditions
The properties in our portfolio are located in Manhattan and the greater New York metropolitan area, which includes
Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York. Positive or negative changes in conditions in these markets,
such as business hirings or layoffs or downsizing, industry growth or slowdowns, relocations of businesses, increases or
66
decreases in real estate and other taxes, costs of complying with governmental regulations or changed regulation, can impact
our overall performance.
Observatory and Broadcasting Operations
For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Empire State Building Observatory hosted 4.1 million visitors, compared
to 4.3 million visitors for the same period in 2014. Observatory revenue for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $112.2
million, a 0.6% increase from $111.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Both full year 2015 and 2014 had 15 bad
weather weekend days.
Observatory revenues and admissions are dependent upon the following: (i) the number of tourists (domestic and
international) that come to New York City and visit the observatory, as well as any related tourism trends; (ii) the prices per
admission that can be charged; (iii) seasonal trends affecting the number of visitors to the observatory; (iv) competition, in
particular from the observatories at One World Trade Center and Rockefeller Center; and (v) weather trends.
We license the use of the Empire State Building mast to third party television and radio broadcasters and providers of
data communications. We also lease space in the upper floors of the building to such licensees to house their transmission
equipment and related facilities. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we derived $20.9 million of revenue and $9.0
million of expense reimbursements from the Empire State Building’s broadcasting licenses and related leases. The broadcasting
licenses and related leases generally expire between 2016 and 2023. The business of broadcasting TV and radio signals over the
air is in flux, due to deteriorating industry fundamentals and the upcoming Federal Communications Commission spectrum
auction, and there is a new competitor in the market at One World Trade Center. We have made preliminary renewal proposals
which, if accepted, would yield reduced revenues and higher capital expenditures.
We have renewed and extended our leases with Univision Television Group from their current expirations in 2016 and
2018 to a new expiration in December 2025. Three of our existing broadcast tenants, CBS Broadcasting, NBC Universal
Media, and WNET have notified us that they will vacate the Empire State Building at the end of their current lease terms. The
non-renewing leases with CBS, NBC and WNET generated approximately $6.3 million in aggregate revenue in 2015, inclusive
of expense reimbursements, and their leases expire in 2017 and 2018. Revenue from Univision totaled approximately $2.9
million, inclusive of expense reimbursements in 2015. Effective beginning in January 2016, annual revenue from Univision
will adjust to an initial amount of $1.9 million, and is subject to escalations.
Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses generally consist of depreciation and amortization, real estate taxes, ground lease expenses,
repairs and maintenance, security, utilities, property-related payroll, insurance and bad debt expense and prior to the Offering
and related formation transactions, third-party management fees. Factors that may affect our ability to control these operating
costs include: increases in insurance premiums, tax rates, the cost of periodic repair, redevelopment costs and the cost of re-
leasing space, the cost of compliance with governmental regulation, including zoning and tax laws, the potential for liability
under applicable laws and interest rate levels. Also, as a public company, our annual general and administrative expenses may
be meaningfully higher compared to historical expenses due to legal, insurance, accounting and other expenses related to
corporate governance, SEC reporting, other compliance matters and the costs of operating as a public company. If our
operating costs increase as a result of any of the foregoing factors, our future cash flow and results of operations may be
adversely affected.
The expenses of owning and operating a property are not necessarily reduced when circumstances, such as market
factors and competition, cause a reduction in income from the property. If revenues drop, we may not be able to reduce our
expenses accordingly. Costs associated with real estate investments, such as real estate taxes and maintenance generally, will
not be materially reduced even if a property is not fully occupied or other circumstances cause our revenues to decrease. As a
result, if revenues decrease in the future, static operating costs may adversely affect our future cash flow and results of
operations. If similar economic conditions exist in the future, we may experience future losses.
Cost of Funds and Interest Rates
We expect future changes in interest rates will impact our overall performance. Subject to maintaining our
qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we may mitigate the risk of interest rate volatility through the use
of hedging instruments, such as interest rate swap agreements and interest rate cap agreements. While we may seek to manage
our exposure to future changes in rates, portions of our overall outstanding debt will likely remain at floating rates. As of
December 31, 2015, our floating rate debt represented 18.6% of our indebtedness and 4.7% of total enterprise value. This
floating rate debt included $305.0 million of borrowings as of December 31, 2015. Our floating rate debt may increase to the
67
extent we use available borrowing capacity under our loans to fund capital improvements. We continually evaluate our debt
maturities, and, based on management’s current assessment, believe we have viable financing and refinancing alternatives that
will not materially adversely impact our expected financial results. As of December 31, 2015, excluding principal amortization,
we have no debt maturing in 2016 and approximately $355.8 million of debt maturing in 2017.
Competition
The leasing of real estate is highly competitive in Manhattan and the greater New York metropolitan market in which
we operate. We compete with numerous acquirers, developers, owners and operators of commercial real estate, many of which
own or may seek to acquire or develop properties similar to ours in the same markets in which our properties are located. The
principal means of competition are rent charged, location, services provided and the nature and condition of the facility to be
leased. In addition, we face competition from other real estate companies including other REITs, private real estate funds,
domestic and foreign financial institutions, life insurance companies, pension trusts, partnerships, individual investors and
others that may have greater financial resources or access to capital than we do or that are willing to acquire properties in
transactions which are more highly leveraged or are less attractive from a financial viewpoint than we are willing to pursue. In
addition, competition from observatory and/or broadcasting operations at One World Trade Center and, to a lesser extent, from
the observatory at Rockefeller Center and the broadcasting facility at Four Times Square, could have a negative impact on
revenues from our observatory and/or broadcasting operations. Adverse impacts on domestic travel and changes in foreign
currency exchange rates may also decrease demand in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of
operations. If our competitors offer space at rental rates below current market rates, below the rental rates we currently charge
our tenants, in better locations within our markets or in higher quality facilities, we may lose potential tenants and may be
pressured to reduce our rental rates below those we currently charge in order to retain tenants when our tenants’ leases expire.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with GAAP and with the rules
and regulations of the SEC represent our assets and liabilities and operating results. The consolidated financial statements
include our accounts and our wholly-owned subsidiaries as well as our operating partnership and its subsidiaries. All
significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. For purposes of comparison, certain
items shown in the 2013 and 2014 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the presentation used
for 2015.
Our predecessor's financial statements include all the accounts and operations of our predecessor. The real estate
entities included in the accompanying financial statements have been combined on the basis that, for the periods presented,
such entities were under common control, common management and common ownership of the sponsors. Equity interests in
the combining entities that were not controlled by the sponsors are shown as investments in non-controlled entities. We
acquired these interests as a result of the formation transactions.
We consolidate entities in which we have a controlling financial interest. In determining whether we have a controlling
financial interest in a partially owned entity and the requirement to consolidate the accounts of that entity, we consider factors
such as ownership interest, board representation, management representation, authority to make decisions, and contractual and
substantive participating rights of the partners/members as well as whether the entity is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and
we are the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the entity that has (i) the power to direct the activities that
most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to
receive benefits from the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. The primary beneficiary is required to consolidate the VIE.
We had no VIEs as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.
We will assess the accounting treatment for each investment we may have in the future. This assessment will include a
review of each entity’s organizational agreement to determine which party has what rights and whether those rights are
protective or participating. For all VIEs, we will review such agreements in order to determine which party has the power to
direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and benefit. In situations where we or our
partner could approve, among other things, the annual budget, or leases that cover more than a nominal amount of space
relative to the total rentable space at each property, we would not consolidate the investment as we consider these to be
substantive participation rights that result in shared power of the activities that would most significantly impact the
performance and benefit of such joint venture investment.
68
A non-controlling interest in a consolidated subsidiary is defined as the portion of the equity (net assets) in a
subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a parent. Non-controlling interests are required to be presented as a separate
component of equity in the consolidated balance sheets and in the consolidated statements of operations by requiring earnings
and other comprehensive income to be attributed to controlling and non-controlling interests. As the financial statements of our
predecessor have been prepared on a combined basis, there is no non-controlling interest for our predecessor for the period
presented.
Construction Revenue
Revenues from construction contracts are recognized under the percentage-of completion method. Under this method,
progress towards completion is recognized according to the ratio of incurred costs to estimated total costs. This method is used
because management considers the “cost-to-cost” method the most appropriate in the circumstances.
Contract costs include all direct material, direct labor and other direct costs and an allocation of certain overhead
related to contract performance. General and administrative costs are charged to expense as incurred. Provisions for estimated
losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined. Changes in job performance, job
conditions and estimated profitability, including those arising from settlements, may result in revisions to costs and income and
are recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined.
Goodwill
Goodwill is tested annually for impairment and is tested for impairment more frequently if events and circumstances
indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount, including
goodwill, exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value and the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying amount of that
goodwill. Non-amortizing intangible assets, such as trade names and trademarks, are subject to an annual impairment test
based on fair value and amortizing intangible assets are tested whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount may not be recoverable.
Income Taxes
We elected to be taxed as a REIT under sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
commencing with the taxable year ended December 31, 2013 and believe we qualify as a REIT at December 31, 2015. REITs are
subject to a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that 90% of ordinary “REIT taxable
income” (as determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction or net capital gains) be distributed. As a REIT, we will
generally not be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent that we meet the organizational and operational requirements and
our distributions equal or exceed REIT taxable income. For all periods subsequent to the effective date of our REIT election, we
have met the organizational and operational requirements and distributions have exceeded net taxable income. Accordingly, no
provision has been made for federal and state income taxes.
We have elected to treat ESRT Observatory TRS, L.L.C., our subsidiary which holds our observatory operations, and
ESRT Holdings TRS, L.L.C., our subsidiary that holds our third party management, construction (through cessation of our
construction business in the first quarter of 2015), restaurant, cafeterias, health clubs and certain cleaning operations, as taxable
REIT subsidiaries. Taxable REIT subsidiaries may participate in non-real estate activities and/or perform non-customary
services for tenants and their operations are generally subject to regular corporate income taxes. Our taxable REIT subsidiaries
account for their income taxes in accordance with GAAP, which includes an estimate of the amount of taxes payable or
refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been
recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. The calculation of the taxable REIT subsidiaries' tax provisions may
require interpreting tax laws and regulations and could result in the use of judgments or estimates which could cause its
recorded tax liability to differ from the actual amount due. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary
differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for
income tax purposes. The taxable REIT subsidiaries periodically assess the realizability of deferred tax assets and the adequacy
of deferred tax liabilities, including the results of local, state, or federal statutory tax audits or estimates and judgments used.
We apply provisions for measuring and recognizing tax benefits associated with uncertain income tax positions.
Penalties and interest, if incurred, would be recorded as a component of income tax expense. As of December 31, 2015 and
2014, we do not have a liability for uncertain tax positions. As of December 31, 2015, the tax years ended December 31, 2012
through December 31, 2015 remain open for an audit by the Internal Revenue Service, state or local authorities.
During the periods presented, the entities included in our predecessor's consolidated financial statements are treated as
partnerships or S corporations for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes and, accordingly, are not subject to entity-level
69
tax. Rather, each entity’s taxable income or loss is allocated to its owners. Therefore, no provision or liability for U.S. federal or
state income taxes has been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for those periods.
Two of the limited liability companies in our Predecessor had non-real estate income subject to New York City
unincorporated business tax (“NYCUBT”). In 2013, one of these entities generated a loss for NYCUBT purposes while the
other entity generated income. No provision or liability for U.S. federal, state, or local income taxes has been included in our
Predecessor's consolidated financial statements as 2013 taxable income as referred to above was fully offset by a NYCUBT net
operating loss carry forward from previous years. As a result of the consolidation and concurrent liquidation of the entities that
had previously been subject to the NYCUBT, the NYCUBT net operating loss carryforward of $13.4 million at October 6, 2013
can no longer be used.
Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation is measured at the fair value of the award on the date of grant and recognized as an expense
on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The determination of fair value of these awards is subjective and involves
significant estimates and assumptions including expected volatility of our stock, expected dividend yield, expected term, and
assumptions of whether these awards will achieve parity with other operating partnership units or achieve performance
thresholds. We believe that the assumptions and estimates utilized are appropriate based on the information available to
management at the time of grant.
Segment Reporting
We have identified two reportable segments: (1) Real Estate and (2) Observatory. Our real estate segment includes all
activities related to the ownership, management, operation, acquisition, repositioning and disposition of our real estate assets.
Our observatory segment operates the 86th and 102nd floor observatories at the Empire State Building. These two lines of
businesses are managed separately because each business requires different support infrastructures, provides different services
and has dissimilar economic characteristics such as investments needed, stream of revenues and different marketing strategies.
We account for intersegment sales and transfers as if the sales or transfers were to third parties, that is, at current market prices.
We include our construction operation in "Other" and includes all activities related to providing construction services to tenants
and to other entities within and outside our company. As of March 27, 2015, we no longer solicited new business for our
construction management business. We completed all projects that were in progress.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our future income, cash flows and fair values relevant to financial instruments are dependent upon prevalent market
interest rates. Market risk refers to the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and interest rates. One of the principal
market risks facing us is interest rate risk on our floating rate indebtedness. As of December 31, 2015, our floating rate debt
represented 4.7% of our total enterprise value. This floating rate debt consists of $305.0 million of borrowings under the
unsecured term loan and revolving credit facilities.
Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we may mitigate the risk of
interest rate volatility through the use of hedging instruments, such as interest rate swap agreements and interest rate cap
agreements. Our primary objectives when undertaking hedging transactions and derivative positions will be to reduce our
floating rate exposure and to fix a portion of the interest rate for anticipated financing and refinancing transactions. This in turn
will reduce the risk that the variability of cash flows will impose on floating rate debt. However, we can provide no assurances
that our efforts to manage interest rate volatility will successfully mitigate the risks of such volatility on our portfolio. We are
not subject to foreign currency risk.
We are exposed to interest rate changes primarily through unsecured term and credit facilities. Our objectives with
respect to interest rate risk are to limit the impact of interest rate changes on operations and cash flows, and to lower our overall
borrowing costs. To achieve these objectives, we may borrow at fixed rates and may enter into derivative financial instruments
such as interest rate swaps or caps in order to mitigate our interest rate risk on a related floating rate financial instrument. We
do not enter into derivative or interest rate transactions for speculative purposes.
During 2015, we entered into three interest rate LIBOR swaps with effective dates of July 5, 2017 and August 31,
2017 and an aggregate notional value of $465.0 million, which fixes interest rates at 2.1485% and 2.5050%, and mature
between August 24, 2022 and July 5, 2027.
As of December 31, 2015, we had total outstanding floating rate debt obligations of $305.0 million. Based on our
variable balances, interest expense would have increased by approximately $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015,
70
if short-term interest rates had been 1% higher. As of December 31, 2015, the weighted average interest rate on the $1.3 billion
of fixed-rate indebtedness outstanding was 4.61% per annum, each with maturities at various dates through March 27, 2030.
As of December 31, 2015, the fair value of our outstanding debt was approximately $1.7 billion which was
approximately $20.8 million more than the historical book value as of such date. Interest risk amounts were determined by
considering the impact of hypothetical interest rates on our financial instruments. These analyses do not consider the effect of
any change in overall economic activity that could occur in that environment. Further, in the event of a change of that
magnitude, we may take actions to further mitigate our exposure to the change. However, due to the uncertainty of the specific
actions that would be taken and their possible effects, these analyses assume no changes in our financial structure.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The financial statements beginning on Page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are incorporated herein by
reference.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the
Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Exchange Act is
processed, recorded, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations and that
such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure
controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated,
can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its
judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
As of December 31, 2015, the end of the period covered by this Report, we carried out an evaluation, under the
supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer,
regarding the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures at the end of the period covered by this Report. Based on
the foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded, as of that time, that our disclosure controls
and procedures were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed or submitted under the
Exchange Act (i) is processed, recorded, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and
forms and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief
Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
No significant changes to our internal control over financial reporting were identified in connection with the
evaluation referenced above that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are
reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
(a) Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management of Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal
control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13(a)-15(f). Under the
supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer,
we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 as
required by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13(a)-15(c). In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth in
the framework in Internal Control–Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (the "COSO criteria"). Based on our evaluation under the COSO criteria, our management concluded
that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2015 to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in
accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
71
Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm that audited our Financial Statements included
in this Annual Report, has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015,
which appears in paragraph (b) of this Item 9A.
(b) Attestation report of the independent registered public accounting firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We have audited Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.’s (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December
31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). The Company’s management is
responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of
internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial
Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our
audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective
internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding
of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design
and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we
considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures
that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the
company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States), the consolidated balance sheets of Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. as of December 31, 2015 (Successor) and 2014
(Successor), and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity/owners’
equity/(deficit) (Predecessor) and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2015 (Successor) and December 31, 2014
(Successor), for the period from October 7, 2013 through December 31, 2013 (Successor) and for the period from January 1,
2013 to October 6, 2013 (Predecessor) of Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and our report dated February 26, 2016 expressed an
unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
New York, New York
February 26, 2016
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
72
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by Item 10 will be set forth in our Definitive Proxy Statement for our 2016 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders (which is scheduled to be held on May 31, 2016), to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities
and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, on or about April 18, 2016, or our Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by
reference.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by Item 11 will be set forth in our Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by Item 12 will be set forth in our Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
The information under Item 5 of this Form 10-K under the heading “Securities Authorized For Issuance Under Equity
Compensation Plans” is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by Item 13 will be set forth in our Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by Item 14 will be set forth in our Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES
PART IV
1. Financial Statements: See "Index to Financial Statements" at Page F-1 below.
2. Financial Statement Schedule: See "Schedule III-Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation" and Page F-45 below.
3. Exhibits: The index of exhibits below are incorporated herein by reference.
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has
duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
SIGNATURES
EMPIRE STATE REALTY TRUST, INC.
Date: February 26, 2016
Date: February 26, 2016
Date: February 26, 2016
By:/s/ Anthony E. Malkin
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
By:/s/ David A. Karp
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer
By:/s/ Andrew J. Prentice
Senior Vice President,
Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed below by the
following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
/s/ Anthony E. Malkin
Anthony E. Malkin
/s/ David A. Karp
David A. Karp
/s/ Andrew J. Prentice
Andrew J. Prentice
/s/ William H. Berkman
William H. Berkman
/s/ Alice M. Connell
Alice M. Connell
/s/ Thomas J. DeRosa
Thomas J. DeRosa
/s/ Steven J. Gilbert
Steven J. Gilbert
/s/ S. Michael Giliberto
S. Michael Giliberto
/s/ James D. Robinson IV
James D. Robinson IV
Title
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief
Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer
and Treasurer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
74
Date
February 26, 2016
February 26, 2016
February 26, 2016
February 26, 2016
February 26, 2016
February 26, 2016
February 26, 2016
February 26, 2016
February 26, 2016
Exhibit No. Description
Exhibit Index
3.1
3.2
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
10.9
10.10+
10.11+
10.12+
Articles of Amendment and Restatement of Empire State Realty Trust, Inc., incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 8 to the Registrant's Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-179485), filed with the
SEC on September 27, 2013.
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Empire State Realty Trust, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to
the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 19, 2015.
Specimen Class A Common Stock Certificate of Empire State Realty Trust, Inc., incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant's Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-179485), filed with the
SEC on November 2, 2012.
Specimen Class B Common Stock Certificate of Empire State Realty Trust, Inc., incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.2 to Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant's Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-179485), filed with the
SEC on November 2, 2012.
Indenture, dated August 12, 2014, by and among Empire State Realty OP, L.P., as issuer, Empire State Realty
Trust, Inc., and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 12, 2014.
Form of Global Note representing Empire State Realty OP, L.P.’s 2.625% Exchangeable Senior Notes due
2019 (included in Exhibit 4.3).
Contribution Agreement among Empire Realty Trust, Inc., Empire Realty Trust, L.P. and certain members of
the Malkin Group listed on the signature pages thereto, dated November 28, 2011, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant's Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-179485), filed with the SEC on February 13,
2012.
Amended and Restated Contribution Agreement among Empire Realty Trust, Inc., Empire Realty Trust, L.P.
and certain entities affiliated with the Helmsley estate listed on the signature pages thereto, dated July 2, 2012,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Amendment No. 7 to the Registrant's Form S-11 (Registration
No. 333-179485), filed with the SEC on September 19, 2013.
Form of Contribution Agreement among Empire Realty Trust, Inc., Empire Realty Trust, L.P. and each of the
private existing entities that contributed properties in the consolidation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.10 to the Registrant's Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-179485), filed with the SEC on February 13, 2012.
Form of Contribution Agreement among Empire State Realty Trust, Inc., Empire Realty OP, L.P. and each of
the public existing entities that contributed properties in the consolidation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.11 to the Registrant's Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-179485), filed with the SEC on February 13, 2012.
Representation, Warranty and Indemnity Agreement among Empire Realty Trust, Inc., Empire Realty Trust,
L.P., Anthony E. Malkin, Cynthia M. Blumenthal and Scott D. Malkin, dated November 28, 2011, incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Registrant's Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-179485), filed with the SEC
on February 13, 2012.
Form of Merger Agreement among Empire Realty Trust, Inc., Empire Realty Trust, L.P. and each of the
predecessor management companies, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Registrant's Form S-11
(Registration No. 333-179485), filed with the SEC on February 13, 2012.
Amended and Restated Option Agreement among, inter alios, Empire State Realty OP, L.P., Empire State
Realty Trust, Inc. and 112 West 34th Street Associates L.L.C., dated September 16, 2013, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Amendment No. 8 to the Registrant's Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-179485),
filed with the SEC on September 27, 2013.
Amended and Restated Option Agreement among, inter alios, Empire State Realty OP, L.P., Empire State
Realty Trust, Inc. and 112 West 34th Street Company L.L.C., dated September 16, 2013, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.18 to Amendment No. 8 to the Registrant's Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-179485),
filed with the SEC on September 27, 2013.
Amended and Restated Option Agreement among, inter alios, Empire State Realty OP, L.P., Empire State
Realty Trust, Inc. and 1400 Broadway Associates L.L.C. dated September 16, 2013, incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.19 to Amendment No. 8 to the Registrant's Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-179485), filed with
the SEC on September 27, 2013.
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. Empire State Realty OP, L.P. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form S-8, filed with the SEC on October 7, 2013.
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (Performance-Based)), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the
Registrant’s Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 24, 2014.
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (Time-Based), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the
Registrant’s Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 24, 2014.
75
10.13+
10.14+
10.15
10.16
10.17
10.18
10.19
10.20
10.21
10.22
10.23
10.24
10.25
10.26
10.27
10.28
10.29
10.30
10.31
10.32+
Form of LTIP Agreement (Performance-Based), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Registrant’s
Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 24, 2014.
Form of LTIP Agreement (Time-Based), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Registrant’s Form
10-K, filed with the SEC on March 24, 2014.
Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Empire State Realty OP, L.P., dated October 1,
2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on
November 12, 2013.
Amendment No. 1 to the First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Empire State
Realty OP, L.P., dated August 26, 2014, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K
filed with the SEC on August 26, 2014.
Registration Rights Agreement among Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and the persons named therein, dated
October 7, 2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the SEC
on November 12, 2013.
Tax Protection Agreement among Empire State Realty Trust, Inc., Empire State Realty OP, L.P., and the parties
named therein, dated October 7, 2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q
filed with the SEC on November 12, 2013.
Indemnification Agreement among Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and Peter L. Malkin, dated October 7,
2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on
November 12, 2013.
Indemnification Agreement among Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and Anthony E. Malkin, dated October 7,
2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on
November 12, 2013.
Indemnification Agreement among Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and David A. Karp, dated October 7, 2013,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 12,
2013.
Indemnification Agreement among Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and Thomas P. Durels, dated October 7,
2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on
November 12, 2013.
Indemnification Agreement among Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and Thomas N. Keltner, Jr., dated October
7, 2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on
November 12, 2013.
Indemnification Agreement among Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and John B. Kessler, dated February 1,
2015, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Registrant's Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February
27, 2015.
Indemnification Agreement among Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and William H. Berkman, dated October 7,
2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on
November 12, 2013.
Indemnification Agreement among Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and Alice M. Connell, dated October 7,
2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on
November 12, 2013.
Indemnification Agreement among Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and Thomas J. DeRosa, dated October 7,
2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on
November 12, 2013.
Indemnification Agreement among Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and Steven J. Gilbert, dated October 7,
2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on
November 12, 2013.
Indemnification Agreement among Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and S. Michael Giliberto, dated October 7,
2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on
November 12, 2013.
Indemnification Agreement among Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and Lawrence E. Golub, dated October 7,
2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on
November 12, 2013.
Indemnification Agreement among Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and James D. Robinson IV, dated
December 23, 2014, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Registrant's Form 10-K filed with the
SEC on February 27, 2015.
Employment Agreement between Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and Anthony E. Malkin, dated October 7,
2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on
November 12, 2013.
76
10.33+
10.34+
10.35+
10.36+
10.37
10.38
10.39
10.40
10.41
10.42
10.43
10.44
10.45
10.46
10.47
21.1*
23.1*
Change in Control Severance Agreement between Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and David A. Karp, dated
October 7, 2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the SEC
on November 12, 2013.
Change in Control Severance Agreement between Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and Thomas N. Keltner, Jr.,
dated October 7, 2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the
SEC on November 12, 2013.
Change in Control Severance Agreement between Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and Thomas P. Durels, dated
October 7, 2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the SEC
on November 12, 2013.
Change in Control Severance Agreement between Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and John B. Kessler, dated
February 1, 2015, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to the Registrant's Form 10-K filed with the SEC
on February 27, 2015.
Credit Agreement (Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility) dated January 23, 2015 among Empire State Realty
OP, L.P., ESRT Empire State Building, L.L.C., Empire State Realty Trust, Inc., the subsidiaries of Empire
State Realty OP, L.P. from time to time party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &
Smith Incorporated, Goldman Sachs Bank USA and the other lenders party thereto, incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.37 to the Registrant's Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 27, 2015.
Secured Revolving and Term Credit Facility dated October 7, 2013 among Empire State Realty OP, L.P., ESRT
Empire State Building, L.L.C., Empire State Realty Trust, Inc., the subsidiaries of Empire State Realty OP,
L.P. from time to time party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, Goldman Sachs Bank USA and the other lenders party thereto, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.19 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 12, 2013.
First Amendment to Credit Agreement (Secured Revolving and Term Credit Facility) dated May 7, 2014
among Empire State Realty OP, L.P., ESRT Empire State Building, L.L.C., Empire State Realty Trust, Inc., the
subsidiaries of Empire State Realty OP, L.P. from time to time party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Goldman Sachs Bank USA and the other lenders party thereto,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 5, 2014.
Second Amendment to Credit Agreement (Secured Revolving and Term Credit Facility) dated May 21, 2014
among Empire State Realty OP, L.P., ESRT Empire State Building, L.L.C., Empire State Realty Trust, Inc., the
subsidiaries of Empire State Realty OP, L.P. from time to time party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Goldman Sachs Bank USA and the other lenders party thereto,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 22, 2014.
Third Amendment to Credit Agreement (Secured Revolving and Term Credit Facility) dated October 31, 2014
among Empire State Realty OP, L.P., ESRT Empire State Building, L.L.C., Empire State Realty Trust, Inc., the
subsidiaries of Empire State Realty OP, L.P. from time to time party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Goldman Sachs Bank USA and the other lenders party thereto,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 10,
2014.
Term Loan Agreement, dated August 24, 2015, among Empire State Realty OP, L.P., Empire State Realty
Trust, Inc. as borrower, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, the lenders party
thereto, Capital One, National Association, as syndication agent, and PNC Bank, National Association, as
documentation agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the
SEC on August 25, 2015
Note Purchase Agreement, dated March 27, 2015, among Empire State Realty OP, L.P., Empire State Realty
Trust, Inc. and the purchasers named therein, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 30, 2015.
Registration Rights Agreement among Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and the persons named therein, dated
July 15, 2014, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed with the SEC on
July 21, 2014.
Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 12, 2014, by and among Empire State Realty OP, L.P., Empire
State Realty Trust, Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 12, 2014.
Form of Asset and Property Management Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to
Amendment No. 6 to the Registrant's Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-179485), filed with the SEC on
September 6, 2013.
Form of Services Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to Amendment No. 6 to the
Registrant's Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-179485), filed with the SEC on September 6, 2013.
Subsidiaries of Registrant
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
77
31.1*
31.2*
32.1*
32.2*
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS*
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Document
101.DEF*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Document
101.LAB*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Document
101.PRE*
Notes:
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Document
* Filed herewith.
+ Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed or incorporated by reference as an
exhibit to this Form 10-K pursuant to Item 15(b) of Form 10-K.
78
EMPIRE STATE REALTY TRUST
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Operations of the Company for the year ended December 31,
2015, 2014 and for the period October 7, 2013 to December 31, 2013 and Empire State
Realty Trust, Inc. Predecessor for the period from January 1, 2013 to October 6, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) of the Company for the year
ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and for the period October 7, 2013 to December 31, 2013
and Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. Predecessor for the period from January 1, 2013 to
October 6, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity of the Company for the year ended
December 31, 2015, 2014 and for the period October 7, 2013 to December 31, 2013 and
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. Predecessor Owners' Deficit for the period January 1, 2013
to October 6, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows of the Company for the year ended December 31,
2015, 2014 and for the period October 7, 2013 to December 31, 2013 and Empire State
Realty Trust, Inc. Predecessor for the period January 1, 2013 to October 6, 2013
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and Empire State Realty Trust,
Inc. Predecessor
Financial Statement Schedules -
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Schedule III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
PAGE
F-1
F-2
F-3
F-4
F-5
F-7
F-9
F-55
F-56
79
[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (the Company or Successor)
as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss),
stockholders’ equity/owners’ equity/(deficit)(Predecessor) and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2015 (Successor)
and December 31, 2014 (Successor), for the period from October 7, 2013 through December 31, 2013 (Successor) and for the
period from January 1, 2013 to October 6, 2013 (Predecessor). Our audits also included the financial statement schedules listed
in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedules based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial
position of Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the consolidated results of its operations and its
cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2015 (Successor) and December 31, 2014 (Successor), for the period from
October 7, 2013 through December 31, 2013 (Successor) and for the period from January 1, 2013 to October 6, 2013
(Predecessor) in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial
statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material
respects the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States),
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria
established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 26, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
New York, New York
February 26, 2016
F-1
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
ASSETS
December 31,
2015
December 31,
2014
Commercial real estate properties, at cost:
Land
Development costs
Building and improvements
Less: accumulated depreciation
Commercial real estate properties, net
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Tenant and other receivables, net of allowance of $2,792 and $1,427 in 2015 and 2014, respectively
Deferred rent receivables, net of allowance of $245 and $420 in 2015 and 2014, respectively
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Deferred costs, net
Acquired below market ground leases, net
Goodwill
Total assets
Liabilities:
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Mortgage notes payable
Senior unsecured notes
Unsecured term loan facility
Unsecured revolving credit facility
Term loan and credit facility
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Acquired below market leases, net
Deferred revenue and other liabilities
Tenants’ security deposits
Total liabilities
Commitments and contingencies
Equity:
$
$
$
$
201,196
7,498
2,067,636
2,276,330
(465,584)
1,810,746
46,685
65,880
18,782
122,048
50,460
310,679
383,891
491,479
201,196
6,986
1,931,681
2,139,863
(377,552)
1,762,311
45,732
60,273
23,745
102,104
48,504
357,462
391,887
491,479
3,300,650
$
3,283,497
$
747,661
587,018
262,545
35,192
—
111,099
104,171
31,388
48,890
1,927,964
898,998
234,980
—
—
464,676
96,563
138,859
27,876
40,448
1,902,400
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, 50,000,000 shares authorized, none issued or
outstanding
Class A common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 400,000,000 shares authorized, 118,903,312
shares issued and outstanding and 106,030,449 shares issued and outstanding in 2015 and 2014,
respectively
Class B common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 1,120,067 and
1,161,438 shares issued and outstanding in 2015 and 2014, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Retained earnings
Total Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.'s stockholders' equity
Non-controlling interests in operating partnership
Private perpetual preferred units, $16.62 per unit liquidation preference, 1,560,360 issued and
outstanding in 2015 and 2014
Total equity
Total liabilities and equity
—
—
1,189
11
469,152
(883)
55,260
524,729
839,953
1,060
12
406,853
—
60,713
468,638
904,455
8,004
1,372,686
3,300,650
$
$
8,004
1,381,097
3,283,497
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
F-2
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. Predecessor
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
The Company
The Predecessor
Year Ended
December 31,
2015
Year Ended
December 31,
2014
Period from
October 7, 2013
through
December 31,
2013
Period from
January 1, 2013
through October 6,
2013
Revenues:
Rental revenue
Tenant expense reimbursement
Observatory revenue
Construction revenue
Third-party management and other fees
Other revenue and fees
Total revenues
Operating expenses:
Property operating expenses
Ground rent expenses
Marketing, general, and administrative expenses
Observatory expenses
Construction expenses
Real estate taxes
Formation transaction expenses
Acquisition expenses
Depreciation and amortization
Total operating expenses
Total operating income (loss)
Other income (expense):
Equity in net income of non-controlled entities
Interest expense
Settlement expense
Gain on consolidation of non-controlled entities
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income tax (expense) benefit
Net income (loss)
Private perpetual preferred unit distributions
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
Net loss attributable to the predecessor
Net income attributable to common stockholders
Total weighted average shares:
Basic
Diluted
Net income per share attributable to common
stockholders:
Basic
Diluted
$
$
$
$
447,784
79,516
112,172
1,981
2,133
14,048
657,634
160,969
9,326
38,073
29,843
3,222
93,165
—
193
171,474
506,265
151,369
—
(67,492)
—
—
83,877
(3,949)
79,928
(936)
(45,262)
—
33,730
$
$
400,825
67,651
111,541
38,648
2,376
14,285
635,326
151,048
5,339
39,037
29,041
38,596
82,131
—
3,382
145,431
494,005
141,321
—
(66,456)
—
—
74,865
(4,655)
70,210
(476)
(43,067)
—
26,667
$
$
79,987
15,836
23,735
5,265
550
2,210
127,583
34,055
398
16,379
5,687
5,468
17,191
—
138,140
27,375
244,693
(117,110)
—
(13,147)
—
322,563
192,306
1,125
193,431
—
(118,186)
—
75,245
$
$
114,245
266,621
97,941
254,506
95,463
244,420
0.30
0.29
$
$
0.27
0.27
$
$
0.79
0.79
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
F-3
148,690
21,272
—
18,636
5,067
12,407
206,072
41,297
—
23,600
—
19,821
24,331
4,507
—
38,963
152,519
53,553
14,875
(50,660)
(55,000)
—
(37,232)
—
(37,232)
—
—
37,232
—
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. Predecessor
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(amounts in thousands)
Net income (loss)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized loss on valuation of interest rate swap
agreements
Comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive income (loss)
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
and private perpetual preferred unitholders
Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling
interests
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to
common stockholders
The Company
Year Ended
December 31,
2015
Year Ended
December 31,
2014
Period from
October 7, 2013
through
December 31,
2013
$
79,928
$
70,210
$
193,431
The Predecessor
Period from
January 1, 2013
through
October 6, 2013
(37,232)
$
(1,922)
(1,922)
78,006
—
—
70,210
—
—
193,431
(46,198)
(43,543)
(118,186)
1,100
—
—
—
—
(37,232)
—
—
$
32,908
$
26,667
$
75,245
$
(37,232)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
F-4
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. Predecessor
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity/Owners' Deficit
(amounts in thousands)
Number
of Class A
Common
Shares
Class A
Common
Stock
Number
of Class
B
Common
Shares
Class
B
Comm
on
Stock
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
Accumulat
ed Other
Comprehe
nsive
Income
(Loss)
Retained
Earnings
Total
Stockholders
' Equity
Predecessor's
Owners'
Deficit
Non-
controlling
Interests
Private
Perpetual
Preferred
Units
Total Equity
Balance at December
31, 2012
— $
— $ — $
— $
— $
— $
— $
(10,859)
$
— $
— $
(10,859)
Net loss
Contributions
Deemed contribution
Distributions
Balance at October 6,
2013
The Company
Issuance of Class A
Common Stock, net of
costs
Issuance of Class A
Common Stock, Class
B Common Stock, and
non-controlling
interests related to the
formation transactions
Payments in cash to
certain holders that are
non-accredited
investors or who
elected to receive cash
for their equity
interests in the
formation transactions
Equity allocation for
the equity
consideration paid to
continuing investors in
the formation
transactions
Equity compensation:
LTIP units
Restricted stock
Dividends and
distributions
Net income
Balance at December
31, 2013
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
82,225
822
—
—
959,746
12,106
121
1,122
11
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
153
—
—
—
—
2
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
94,484
945
1,122
—
(643,559)
—
—
—
—
11
—
371
—
—
316,558
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(37,232)
8,223
55,000
(155,112)
(139,980)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(37,232)
8,223
55,000
(155,112)
(139,980)
—
960,568
—
—
—
960,568
—
132
—
738,818
—
738,950
—
—
(733,262)
—
(733,262)
—
—
—
—
(7,601)
75,245
(643,559)
139,980
503,579
—
373
(7,601)
75,245
—
—
—
—
—
2,621
—
(11,915)
118,186
618,027
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
2,621
373
(19,516)
193,431
1,003,185
67,644
385,158
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
F-5
Issuance of Class A
common stock, Class
B common stock, and
non-controlling
interests related to the
acquisition of the
option properties
Redemption of
operating partnership
units
Issuance of private
perpetual preferred
units in exchange for
common units
Equity component of
senior unsecured notes
Conversion of
operating partnership
units and Class B
shares to Class A
shares
Equity compensation:
LTIP units
Restricted stock, net
of forfeitures
Dividends and
distributions
Net income
Balance at December
31, 2014
Conversion of
operating partnership
units and Class B
shares to Class A
shares
Equity compensation:
LTIP units, net of
forfeitures
Restricted stock, net
of forfeitures
Dividends and
distributions
Net income
Unrealized loss on
valuation of interest
rate swap agreements
Balance at December
31, 2015
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. Predecessor
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity/Owners' Deficit
(amounts in thousands)
Number
of Class A
Common
Shares
Class A
Comm
on
Stock
Number
of Class B
Common
Shares
Class
B
Comm
on
Stock
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
Accumulat
ed Other
Comprehe
nsive
Income
(Loss)
Retained
Earnings
Total
Stockholders
' Equity
Predecessor'
s Owners'
Deficit
Non-
controlling
Interests
Private
Perpetual
Preferred
Units
Total Equity
2,556
—
—
—
8,995
—
(5)
—
—
25
—
—
—
90
—
—
—
—
110
—
—
—
(71)
—
—
—
—
106,030
1,060
1,161
1
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
12
44,372
—
—
4,857
40,611
—
455
—
—
406,853
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
44,398
—
—
4,857
40,701
—
455
(33,598)
(33,598)
26,667
26,667
60,713
468,638
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
334,930
(829)
—
—
379,328
(829)
(8,004)
8,004
—
8,347
(40,701)
3,265
—
(53,647)
43,067
—
—
—
—
13,204
—
3,265
455
(476)
476
(87,721)
70,210
904,455
8,004
1,381,097
12,859
129
(41)
(1)
62,003
(61)
62,070
—
(62,070)
—
14
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
296
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
296
(39,183)
(39,183)
33,730
33,730
—
—
—
—
5,187
296
(936)
936
(91,900)
79,928
5,187
—
(51,781)
45,262
—
—
—
—
—
(822)
—
(822)
(1,100)
—
(1,922)
118,903
$ 1,189
1,120
$
11
$
469,152
$
(883)
$ 55,260
$
524,729
$
— $
839,953
$
8,004
$
1,372,686
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
F-6
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. Predecessor
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(amounts in thousands)
The Company
The Predecessor
Year Ended
December 31,
2015
Year Ended
December 31,
2014
Period from
October 7, 2013
through
December 31,
2013
Period from
January 1, 2013
through October
6, 2013
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income (loss)
$
79,928
$
70,210
$
193,431
$
(37,232)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by
(used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
171,474
145,431
27,375
Amortization of deferred finance costs and debt premiums and
discount
Amortization of acquired above and below-market leases, net
Amortization of acquired below-market ground leases
Straight-lining of rental revenue
Equity based compensation
Gain on consolidation of non-controlled entities
Equity in net income of non-controlled entities
Distributions of cumulative earnings of non-controlled entities
Deemed contribution for settlement expense
Increase (decrease) in cash flows due to changes in operating
assets and liabilities (excluding the effect of acquisitions):
Restricted cash
Tenant and other receivables
Deferred leasing costs
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Deferred revenue and other liabilities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash for investing activities
Additions to building and improvements
Development costs
Acquisition of real estate property, net of cash received
Cash paid in the formation transactions to acquire the non-
controlled properties, net of cash received
1,698
(19,353)
7,996
(21,220)
5,483
—
—
—
—
2,954
4,963
(31,367)
(1,956)
(925)
3,512
203,187
(119)
(141,685)
(512)
—
—
3,956
(14,095)
4,603
(39,715)
3,720
—
—
—
—
(4,987)
3,135
(12,132)
(13,052)
(14,756)
6,240
138,558
9,345
(121,287)
(527)
(186,588)
—
Net cash used in investing activities
(142,316)
(299,057)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
152
(1,911)
426
(8,932)
2,994
(322,563)
—
—
—
7,196
(7,590)
(8,916)
(15,120)
11,917
(10,386)
(131,927)
(344)
(56,434)
—
—
(563,529)
(620,307)
38,963
11,512
—
—
(3,383)
—
—
(14,875)
3,391
55,000
(633)
(80)
(9,771)
3,084
26,481
924
73,381
(500)
(56,129)
179
—
—
(56,450)
F-7
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. Predecessor
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)
(Amounts in Thousands)
Deferred financing costs and equity issuance costs
(6,100)
(4,483)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Proceeds from unsecured revolving credit facility
Repayments of unsecured revolving credit facility
Proceeds from mortgage notes payable
Repayment of mortgage notes payable
Proceeds from senior unsecured notes
Proceeds from unsecured term loan
Proceeds from term loan and credit facility
Repayments of term loan and credit facility
Proceeds from unsecured loan payable
Repayment of unsecured notes payable
Net proceeds from the sale of common stock
Deferred offering costs
Contributions from owners
Cash paid for equity interests in the formation transactions
Distributions to Predecessor owners
Private perpetual preferred unit distributions
Dividends paid to common stockholders
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests in the operating
partnership
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest
Cash paid for income taxes
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Building and improvements included in accounts payable and
accrued expenses
Derivative instruments at fair values included in accounts payable
and accrued expenses
Conversion of operating partnership units and Class B shares to
Class A shares
Issuance of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, and
operating partnership units in connection with the acquisition of real
estate properties
Debt assumed with the acquisition of real estate properties
Reduction of equity for deferred offering costs
Acquisition of working capital (deficit), net of cash
Due to affiliates settled in Class A Common Stock, Class B
Common Stock, or operating partnership units
Redemption of operating partnership units to repay other receivable
Accrued distributions to Predecessor owners
Distribution of real property to owners prior to the formation
transactions
Distribution of unsecured loan and note payable - related party to
owners prior to the formation transactions
$
$
$
$
The Company
Year Ended
December 31,
2015
Year Ended
December 31,
2014
Period from
October 7, 2013
through
December 31,
2013
The Predecessor
Period from
January 1, 2013
through October
6, 2013
655,000
(615,000)
—
(146,918)
350,000
265,000
—
(470,000)
—
—
—
—
191,000
(348,308)
250,000
—
435,600
(290,600)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(936)
(39,183)
(51,781)
(59,918)
953
45,732
46,685
64,808
4,465
$
$
$
—
—
—
—
—
(476)
(33,598)
(53,647)
145,488
(15,011)
60,743
45,732
60,621
3,690
$
$
$
—
—
—
(313,240)
—
—
335,000
(10,000)
—
(7,350)
(15,381)
992,887
—
—
(143,236)
(123,147)
—
(7,601)
(11,915)
696,017
(56,217)
116,960
60,743
12,648
329
$
$
$
—
—
102,947
(20,049)
—
—
3,750
—
(3,482)
—
(6,595)
3,924
—
(31,965)
—
—
—
48,530
65,461
51,499
116,960
38,380
—
51,315
$
36,920
$
15,584
$
1,812
1,922
62,003
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
40,611
379,328
182,851
—
(4,749)
—
829
—
—
—
—
—
457,493
136,226
32,319
6,061
4,299
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
123,147
16,345
14,739
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
F-8
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. Predecessor
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Description of Business and Organization
As used in these consolidated financial statements, unless the context otherwise requires, “we,” “us,” "our," the
"company,” and "ESRT" mean the predecessor (as defined below) for the periods presented and Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.
and its consolidated subsidiaries upon the consummation of its initial public offering of Class A common stock and the
formation transactions defined below.
We are a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust, or REIT, that owns, manages, operates,
acquires and repositions office and retail properties in Manhattan and the greater New York metropolitan area.
As of December 31, 2015, our total portfolio contained 10.1 million rentable square feet of office and retail space. We
owned 14 office properties (including three long-term ground leasehold interest) encompassing approximately 9.3 million
rentable square feet of office space. Nine of these properties are located in the midtown Manhattan market and encompass in
the aggregate approximately 7.5 million rentable square feet of office space, including the Empire State Building. Our
Manhattan office properties also contain an aggregate of 518,792 rentable square feet of premier retail space on their ground
floor and/or lower levels. Our remaining five office properties are located in Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester
County, New York, encompassing in the aggregate approximately 1.9 million rentable square feet. The majority of square
footage for these five properties is located in densely populated metropolitan communities with immediate access to mass
transportation. Additionally, we have entitled land at the Stamford Transportation Center in Stamford, Connecticut, adjacent to
one of our office properties, that will support the development of an approximately 380,000 rentable square foot office building
and garage, which we refer to herein as Metro Tower. As of December 31, 2015, our portfolio also included four standalone
retail properties located in Manhattan and two standalone retail properties located in the city center of Westport, Connecticut,
encompassing 204,452 rentable square feet in the aggregate.
We were organized as a Maryland corporation on July 29, 2011. We did not have any assets other than cash and did
not have any meaningful operating activity until the consummation of the initial public offering of our Class A common stock
(the "Offering") and the related acquisition of our predecessor and certain non-controlled entities controlled by our predecessor
on October 7, 2013.
Our operations commenced upon completion of the Offering and related formation transactions on October 7, 2013.
Empire State Realty OP, L.P. (the "operating partnership") holds substantially all of our assets and conducts substantially all of
our business. As of December 31, 2015, we owned approximately 44.9% of the aggregate operating partnership units in our
operating partnership. We, as the sole general partner in our operating partnership, have responsibility and discretion in the
management and control of our operating partnership, and the limited partners in our operating partnership, in such capacity,
have no authority to transact business for, or participate in the management activities of our operating partnership.
Accordingly, our operating partnership has been consolidated by us. We elected to be taxed as a REIT and operate in a manner
that we believe allows us to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes commencing with our taxable year ended
December 31, 2013.
We have two entities that elected to be treated as taxable REIT subsidiaries, or TRSs, and are owned by our operating
partnership. The TRSs, through several wholly-owned limited liability companies, conduct third-party services businesses,
which include the Empire State Building Observatory, cleaning services, cafeteria, restaurant and fitness center, property
management and leasing, construction, and property maintenance.
We entered into a series of formation transactions (the “formation transactions”), pursuant to which we acquired,
substantially currently with the completion of the Offering through a series of contributions and merger transactions, our
portfolio of real estate assets that comprise our portfolio, the ownership interests in the certain management entities of our
predecessor and one development parcel.
For all periods prior to the completion of the Offering and formation transactions, our predecessor results of operations
contain unconsolidated results for certain non-controlled entities (as defined below) that owned interests in the Empire State
Building, 1350 Broadway, 1333 Broadway, and 501 Seventh Avenue, which were accounted for by our predecessor under the
equity method of accounting and make up a significant portion of our company subsequent to the completion of the Offering
and formation transactions. Our results of operations for the period January 1, 2013 to October 6, 2013 reflect the financial
F-9
condition and results of operations of our predecessor. Our financial condition as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and results
of operations for the period October 7, 2013 to December 31, 2013 and the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015 reflect
the financial condition and results of operations of our predecessor consolidated with the non-controlling interests in those four
properties we acquired at the time of the Offering and formation transactions.
The Predecessor
Our predecessor is not a legal entity but rather a combination of (i) controlling interests in (a) 16 office and retail
properties, (b) one development parcel, and (c) certain management companies, which were owned by certain entities that
Anthony E. Malkin and Peter L. Malkin, as sponsors, owned interests in and controlled, which we collectively refer to as the
controlled entities, and (ii) non-controlling interests in four office properties (which include two of the 16 properties set forth in
(i) above), held through entities which we collectively refer to as the non-controlled entities, and are presented as uncombined
entities in our combined financial statements. Specifically, the term “our predecessor” means (i) Malkin Holdings LLC, a New
York limited liability company that acted as the supervisor of, and performed various asset management services and routine
administration with respect to, certain of the existing entities, which we refer to as “the supervisor;” (ii) the limited liability
companies or limited partnerships that previously (a) owned, directly or indirectly and either through a fee interest or a long-
term leasehold in the underlying land, and/or (b) operated, directly or indirectly and through a fee interest, an operating lease,
an operating sublease or an operating sub-sublease, the 18 office and retail properties (which include non-controlling interests
in four office properties for which Malkin Holdings LLC acted as the supervisor but that are not consolidated into our
predecessor for accounting purposes) and entitled land that will support the development of an approximately 380,000 rentable
square foot office building and garage that we own after the formation transactions, which we refer to as the “existing
entities;” (iii) Malkin Properties, L.L.C., a New York limited liability company that served as the manager and leasing agent for
certain of the existing entities in Manhattan, which we refer to as “Malkin Properties;” (iv) Malkin Properties of New York,
L.L.C., a New York limited liability company that served as the manager and leasing agent for certain of the existing entities in
Westchester County, New York, which we refer to as “Malkin Properties NY;” (v) Malkin Properties of Connecticut, Inc., a
Connecticut corporation that served as the manager and leasing agent for certain of the existing entities in the State of
Connecticut, which we refer to as “Malkin Properties CT;” and (vi) Malkin Construction Corp., a Connecticut corporation that
is a general contractor and provided services to certain of the existing entities and third parties (including certain tenants at the
properties in our portfolio), which we refer to as “Malkin Construction.” The term “the predecessor’s management companies”
refers to the supervisor, Malkin Properties, Malkin Properties NY, Malkin Properties CT and Malkin Construction, collectively.
Our predecessor accounted for its investment in the non-controlled entities under the equity method of accounting.
On September 28, 2012, a Stipulation of Settlement resolving the original class actions was entered into. The terms of
the settlement include, amongst other things, a payment of $55.0 million, with a minimum of 80% in cash and a maximum of
20% in freely-tradable shares of common stock and/or operating partnership units. As the payment is to be fully made by the
principal owners of certain predecessor entities, $55.0 million was recorded as settlement expense in our predecessor's
statement of operations, with a corresponding $55.0 million capital contribution to our predecessor at that time. Substantially
all of the fund has been distributed, but a small amount remains outstanding.
Controlled Entities:
Properties that the sponsors owned interests in and controlled, and whose operations were 100% consolidated into the
financial statements of our predecessor include:
Office:
One Grand Central Place, New York, New York
250 West 57th Street, New York, New York
1359 Broadway, New York, New York
First Stamford Place, Stamford, Connecticut
Metro Center, Stamford, Connecticut
383 Main Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut
500 Mamaroneck Avenue, Harrison, New York
10 Bank Street, White Plains, New York
Fee ownership position of 350 Fifth Avenue (Empire State Building), New York, New York
Fee ownership position of 501 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York
Retail:
10 Union Square, New York, New York
1010 Third Avenue, New York, New York
F-10
77 West 55th Street, New York, New York
1542 Third Avenue, New York, New York
69-97 Main Street, Westport, Connecticut
103-107 Main Street, Westport, Connecticut
Land Parcels:
We own entitled land at the Stamford Transportation Center in Stamford, Connecticut, adjacent to one of our office
properties that will support the development of an approximately 380,000 rentable square foot office building and
garage.
The acquisition of interests in our predecessor were recorded at historical cost at the time of the formation
transactions.
Non-Controlled Entities:
Properties in which the sponsors owned and controlled non-controlling interests and whose operations are reflected in
our predecessor’s consolidated financial statements as an equity interest include:
Office:
Master operating lease position of 350 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York—Empire State Building Company L.L.C.
Master operating lease position of 1350 Broadway, New York, New York—1350 Broadway Associates L.L.C. (long
term ground lease)
1333 Broadway, New York, New York—1333 Broadway Associates L.L.C.
Master operating lease position of 501 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York—501 Seventh Avenue Associates
L.L.C.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and with the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "SEC") represent our assets and liabilities and operating results. The consolidated financial
statements include our accounts and our wholly-owned subsidiaries as well as our operating partnership and its subsidiaries.
All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Our predecessor's consolidated financial statements include all the accounts and operations of our predecessor. The
real estate entities included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been combined on the basis that, for
the periods presented, such entities were under common control, common management and common ownership of the
sponsors. Equity interests in the combining entities that were not controlled by the sponsors are shown as investments in non-
controlled entities. We acquired these interests as a result of the formation transactions.
We consolidate entities in which we have a controlling financial interest. In determining whether we have a controlling
financial interest in a partially owned entity and the requirement to consolidate the accounts of that entity, we consider factors
such as ownership interest, board representation, management representation, authority to make decisions, and contractual and
substantive participating rights of the partners/members as well as whether the entity is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and
we are the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the entity that has (i) the power to direct the activities that
most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to
receive benefits from the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. The primary beneficiary is required to consolidate the VIE.
Our predecessor consolidated variable interest entities, or VIEs, in which it was considered a primary beneficiary. We had no
VIEs as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.
We will assess the accounting treatment for each investment we may have in the future. This assessment will include a
review of each entity’s organizational agreement to determine which party has what rights and whether those rights are
protective or participating. For all VIEs, we will review such agreements in order to determine which party has the power to
direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and benefit. In situations where we or our
partner could approve, among other things, the annual budget, or leases that cover more than a nominal amount of space
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relative to the total rentable space at each property, we would not consolidate the investment as we consider these to be
substantive participation rights that result in shared power of the activities that would most significantly impact the
performance and benefit of such joint venture investment.
A non-controlling interest in a consolidated subsidiary is defined as the portion of the equity (net assets) in a
subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a parent. Non-controlling interests are required to be presented as a separate
component of equity in the consolidated balance sheets and in the consolidated statements of operations by requiring earnings
and other comprehensive income to be attributed to controlling and non-controlling interests. As the financial statements of our
predecessor have been prepared on a combined basis, there is no non-controlling interest for our predecessor for the period
presented.
Accounting Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to use
estimates and assumptions that in certain circumstances affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported revenues and expenses. Significant items subject to such estimates and
assumptions include allocation of the purchase price of acquired real estate properties among tangible and intangible assets,
determination of the useful life of real estate properties and other long-lived assets, valuation and impairment analysis of
commercial real estate properties and other long-lived assets, estimate of percentage of completion on construction contracts,
valuation of the allowance for doubtful accounts, and valuation of senior unsecured notes and equity based compensation.
These estimates are prepared using management’s best judgment, after considering past, current, and expected events and
economic conditions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
Rental Revenue
Rental revenue includes base rents that each tenant pays in accordance with the terms of its respective lease and is
reported on a straight-line basis over the non-cancellable term of the lease which includes the effects of rent steps and rent
abatements under the leases. We commence rental revenue recognition when the tenant takes possession of the leased space or
controls the physical use of the leased space and the leased space is substantially ready for its intended use. We account for all
of our leases as operating leases. Deferred rent receivables, including free rental periods and leasing arrangements allowing for
increased base rent payments, are accounted for in a manner that provides an even amount of fixed lease revenues over the
respective non-cancellable lease terms. Differences between rental income recognized and amounts due under the respective
lease agreements are recognized as an increase or decrease to deferred rents receivable.
The timing of rental revenue recognition is impacted by the ownership of tenant improvements and allowances. When
we are the owner of the tenant improvements, revenue recognition commences after both the improvements are completed and
the tenant takes possession or control of the space. In contrast, if we determine that the tenant allowances we are funding are
lease incentives, then we commence revenue recognition when possession or control of the space is turned over to the tenant.
Tenant improvement ownership is determined based on various factors including, but not limited to, whether the lease
stipulates how and on what a tenant improvement allowance may be spent, whether the tenant or landlord retains legal title to
the improvements at the end of the lease term, whether the tenant improvements are unique to the tenant or general-purpose in
nature, and whether the tenant improvements are expected to have any residual value at the end of the lease.
In addition to base rent, our tenants also generally will pay their pro rata share of increases in real estate taxes and
operating expenses for the building over a base year. In some leases, in lieu of paying additional rent based upon increases in
building operating expenses, the tenant will pay additional rent based upon increases in an index such as the Consumer Price
Index over the index value in effect during a base year, or contain fixed percentage increases over the base rent to cover
escalations.
We will recognize rental revenue of acquired in-place above- and below-market leases at their fair values over the
terms of the respective leases, including, for below-market leases, fixed option renewal periods, if any.
Lease cancellation fees are recognized when the fees are determinable, tenant vacancy has occurred, collectability is
reasonably assured, we have no continuing obligation to provide services to such former tenants and the payment is not subject
to any conditions that must be met or waived. Total lease cancellation fees for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and
2013 were $2.0 million, $6.1 million, and $1.6 million, respectively. Such fees are included in other income and fees in our
consolidated statements of operations.
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Observatory Revenue
Revenues from the sale of Observatory tickets are recognized upon admission or ticket expirations. Deferred income
related to unused and unexpired tickets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $5.1 million and $4.5 million, respectively.
Construction Revenue
Revenues from construction contracts are recognized under the percentage-of completion method. Under this method,
progress towards completion is recognized according to the ratio of incurred costs to estimated total costs. This method is used
because management considers the “cost-to-cost” method the most appropriate in the circumstances.
Contract costs include all direct material, direct labor and other direct costs and an allocation of certain overhead
related to contract performance. General and administrative costs are charged to expense as incurred. Provisions for estimated
losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined. Changes in job performance, job
conditions and estimated profitability, including those arising from settlements, may result in revisions to costs and income and
are recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined.
Gains on Sale of Real Estate
We record a gain on sale of real estate when title is conveyed to the buyer and we have no substantial economic
involvement with the property. If the sales criteria for the full accrual method are not met, we defer some or all of the gain
recognition and account for the continued operations of the property by applying the finance, leasing, profit sharing, deposit,
installment or cost recovery methods, as appropriate, until the sales criteria are met.
Third-Party Management, Leasing and Other Fees
We earn revenue arising from contractual agreements with related party entities for asset and property management
services. This revenue is recognized as the related services are performed under the respective agreements in place.
Advertising and Marketing Costs
Advertising and marketing costs are expensed as incurred. The expense for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014,
and 2013 was $8.7 million, $10.0 million and $4.2 million, respectively, and is included within operating expenses in our
consolidated statements of operations.
Offering Costs and Formation Transaction Expenses
In connection with the Offering and formation transactions, we incurred incremental accounting fees, legal fees and
other professional fees. Approximately $33.5 million was previously deferred and recorded as a reduction of proceeds of the
Offering. Certain costs associated with the Offering and formation transactions not directly attributable to the solicitation of
consents of investors in the existing entities and the Offering, but rather related to structuring the formation transactions, are
expensed as incurred.
Real Estate Properties and Related Intangible Assets
Land and buildings and improvements are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. The
recorded cost includes cost of acquisitions, development and construction and tenant allowances and improvements.
Expenditures for ordinary repairs and maintenance are charged to operations as incurred. Significant replacements and
betterments which improve or extend the life of the asset are capitalized. Tenant improvements which improve or extend the
life of the asset are capitalized. If a tenant vacates its space prior to the contractual termination of its lease, the unamortized
balance of any tenant improvements are written off if they are replaced or have no future value. For developed properties,
direct and indirect costs that clearly relate to projects under development are capitalized. Costs include construction costs,
professional services such as architectural and legal costs, capitalized interest and direct payroll costs. We begin capitalization
when the project is probable. Capitalization of interest ceases when the property is ready for its intended use, which is generally
near the date that a certificate of occupancy is obtained.
Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes. Buildings
and improvements are depreciated over the shorter of 39 years, the useful life, or the remaining term of any leasehold interest.
Tenant improvement costs, which are included in building and improvements in the consolidated balance sheets, are
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depreciated over the shorter of (i) the related remaining lease term or (ii) the life of the improvement. Corporate equipment,
which is included in “Other assets,” is depreciated over three to seven years.
Acquisitions of properties are accounted for utilizing the acquisition method and accordingly the purchase cost is
allocated to tangible and intangible assets and liabilities based on their fair values. The fair value of tangible assets acquired is
determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant, applying methods similar to those used by independent appraisers of
income-producing property. The resulting value is then allocated to land, buildings and improvements, and tenant
improvements based on our determination of the fair value of these assets. The assumptions used in the allocation of fair values
to assets acquired are based on our best estimates at the time of evaluation.
Fair value is assigned to above-market and below-market leases based on the difference between (a) the contractual
amounts to be paid by the tenant based on the existing lease and (b) our estimate of current market lease rates for the
corresponding in-place leases, over the remaining terms of the in-place leases. Capitalized above-market lease amounts are
amortized as a decrease to rental revenue over the remaining terms of the respective leases. Capitalized below-market lease
amounts are amortized as an increase to rental revenue over the remaining terms of the respective leases. If a tenant vacates its
space prior to the contractual termination of the lease and no rental payments are being made on the lease, any unamortized
balance of the related intangible will be written off.
The aggregate value of other acquired intangible assets consists of acquired ground leases and acquired in-place leases
and tenant relationships. The fair value allocated to acquired in-place leases consists of a variety of components including, but
not necessarily limited to: (a) the value associated with avoiding the cost of originating the acquired in-place leases (i.e. the
market cost to execute a lease, including leasing commissions and legal fees, if any); (b) the value associated with lost revenue
related to tenant reimbursable operating costs estimated to be incurred during the assumed lease-up period (i.e. real estate taxes,
insurance and other operating expenses); (c) the value associated with lost rental revenue from existing leases during the
assumed lease-up period; and (d) the value associated with any other inducements to secure a tenant lease.
We assess the potential for impairment of our long-lived assets, including real estate properties, annually or whenever
events occur or a change in circumstances indicate that the recorded value might not be fully recoverable. We determine
whether impairment in value has occurred by comparing the estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected from the use
and eventual disposition of the asset to its carrying value. If the undiscounted cash flows do not exceed the carrying value, the
real estate is adjusted to fair value and an impairment loss is recognized. Assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of cost
or fair value less costs to sell. We do not believe that the value of any of our properties and intangible assets were impaired
during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, demand deposits with financial institutions and short-term liquid
investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased. The majority of our cash and cash equivalents are
held at major commercial banks which may at times exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limit. To date, we have
not experienced any losses on our invested cash.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash consists of amounts held for tenants in accordance with lease agreements such as security deposits and
amounts held by lenders and/or escrow agents to provide for future real estate tax expenditures and insurance expenditures,
tenant vacancy related costs, debt service obligations.
Tenant and Other Receivables
Tenant and other accounts receivable, other than deferred rent receivable, are expected to be collected within one year.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We maintain an allowance against tenant and other receivables and deferred rents receivables for future potential
tenant credit losses. The credit assessment is based on the estimated accrued rental revenue that is recoverable over the term of
the respective lease. The computation of this allowance is based on the tenants’ payment history and current credit status. If
our estimate of collectability differs from the cash received, then the timing and amount of our reported revenue could be
impacted. Bad debt expense is included in operating expenses on our consolidated statements of operations and includes the
impact of changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts on our consolidated balance sheets.
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Deferred Lease Costs
Deferred lease costs consist of fees and direct costs incurred to initiate and renew leases, are amortized on a straight-
line basis over the related lease term and the expense is included in depreciation and amortization in our consolidated
statements of operations. Upon the early termination of a lease, unamortized deferred leasing costs are charged to expense.
Deferred Financing Costs
Fees and costs incurred to obtain long-term financing have been deferred and are being amortized as a component of
interest expense in our consolidated statements of operations over the life of the respective long-term financing on the straight-
line method which approximates the effective interest method. Unamortized deferred financing costs are expensed when the
associated debt is refinanced or repaid before maturity. Costs incurred in seeking debt, which do not close, are expensed in the
period in which it is determined that the financing will not close.
Equity Method Investments
We account for investments under the equity method of accounting where we do not have control but have the ability
to exercise significant influence. Under this method, investments are recorded at cost, and the investment accounts are adjusted
for our share of the entities’ income or loss and for distributions and contributions. Equity income (loss) is allocated based on
the portion of the ownership interest that is controlled by us. The agreements may designate different percentage allocations
among investors for profits and losses; however, our recognition of the entity’s income or loss generally follows the entity’s
distribution priorities, which may change upon the achievement of certain investment return thresholds.
To the extent that we contributed assets to an entity, our investment in the entity is recorded at cost basis in the assets
that were contributed to the entity. Upon contributing assets to an entity, we make a judgment as to whether the economic
substance of the transaction is a sale. If so, gain or loss is recognized on the portion of the asset to which the other partners in
the entity obtain an interest.
To the extent that the carrying amount of these investments on our combined balance sheets is different than the basis
reflected at the entity level, the basis difference would be amortized over the life of the related asset and included in our share
of equity in net income of the entity.
On a periodic basis, we assess whether there are any indicators that the carrying value of our investments in entities
may be impaired on an other than temporary basis. An investment is impaired only if management’s estimate of the fair value
of the investment is less than the carrying value of the investment on an other than temporary basis. To the extent impairment
has occurred, the loss shall be measured as the excess of the carrying value of the investment over the fair value of the
investment. None of our predecessor's investments are other than temporarily impaired.
Our predecessor recognized incentive income in the form of overage fees from certain uncombined entities (which
include non-controlled and other properties not included in our predecessor) as income to the extent it has been earned and not
subject to a clawback feature.
If our predecessor's share of distributions and net losses exceeds our investments for certain of the equity method
investments and if our predecessor remained liable for future obligations of the entity or was otherwise committed to provide
future additional financial support, the investment balances would have been presented in the accompanying combined balance
sheets as liabilities. The effects of material intercompany transactions with these equity method investments are eliminated.
None of the entity debt is recourse to us.
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had no equity method investments.
Goodwill
Goodwill is tested annually for impairment and is tested for impairment more frequently if events and circumstances
indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount, including
goodwill, exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value and the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying amount of that
goodwill. Non-amortizing intangible assets, such as trade names and trademarks, are subject to an annual impairment test
based on fair value and amortizing intangible assets are tested whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount may not be recoverable.
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Fair Value
Fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, and should be determined based on the
assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant
assumptions in fair value measurements, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") guidance establishes a fair value
hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent
of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within levels one and two of the hierarchy) and the reporting
entity's own assumptions about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy).
We use the following methods and assumptions in estimating fair value disclosures for financial instruments.
For cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, tenant and other receivables, prepaid expenses and other assets,
deferred revenue, tenant security deposits, accounts payable and accrued expenses in our consolidated balance sheets
approximate their fair value due to the short term maturity of these instruments.
The fair value of derivative instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including
discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. Although the majority of the inputs used to value
our derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with our derivatives
utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by ourselves and our
counterparties. The impact of such credit valuation adjustments, determined based on the fair value of each individual contract,
was not significant to the overall valuation. As a result, all of our derivatives were classified as Level 2 of the fair value
hierarchy.
The fair value of our mortgage notes payable, term loan and credit facility, and senior unsecured notes which are
determined using Level 3 inputs, are estimated by discounting the future cash flows using current interest rates at which similar
borrowings could be made to us.
The methodologies used for valuing financial instruments have been categorized into three broad levels as follows:
Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments.
Level 2 - Valuations based principally on other observable market parameters, including:
• Quoted prices in active markets for similar instruments;
• Quoted prices in less active or inactive markets for identical or similar instruments;
• Other observable inputs (such as risk free interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities,
credit risks and default rates); and
• Market corroborated inputs (derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data).
Level 3 - Valuations based significantly on unobservable inputs, including:
• Valuations based on third-party indications (broker quotes or counterparty quotes) which were, in turn, based
significantly on unobservable inputs or were otherwise not supportable as Level 3 valuations; and
• Valuations based on internal models with significant unobservable inputs.
These levels form a hierarchy. We follow this hierarchy for our financial instruments measured or disclosed at fair
value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis and other required fair value disclosures. The classifications are based on the
lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Derivative Instruments
We are exposed to the effect of interest rate changes and manage these risks by following policies and procedures
including the use of derivatives. To manage exposure to interest rates, derivatives are used primarily to fix the rate on debt
based on floating-rate indices. We record all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. We incorporate credit valuation
adjustments to appropriately reflect both our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk
in the fair value measurements. For derivatives that qualify as cash flow hedges, we report the effective portion of changes in
the fair value of a derivative designated as a hedge as part of other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently reclassify
the effective portion into income in the period that the hedged item affects income. We account for the ineffective portion of
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changes in the fair value of a derivative directly in income. Reported net income and equity may increase or decrease
prospectively, depending on future levels of interest rates and other variables affecting the fair values of derivative instruments
and hedged items, but will have no effect on cash flows.
We measure the credit risk of our derivative instruments that are subject to master netting agreements on a net basis by
counterparty portfolio.
Income Taxes
We elected to be taxed as a REIT under sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
commencing with the taxable year ended December 31, 2013 and believe we qualify as a REIT at December 31, 2015. REITs are
subject to a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that 90% of ordinary “REIT taxable
income” (as determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction or net capital gains) be distributed. As a REIT, we will
generally not be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent that we meet the organizational and operational requirements and
our distributions equal or exceed REIT taxable income. For all periods subsequent to the effective date of our REIT election, we
have met the organizational and operational requirements and distributions have exceeded net taxable income. Accordingly, no
provision has been made for federal and state income taxes.
We have elected to treat ESRT Observatory TRS, L.L.C., our subsidiary which holds our observatory operations, and
ESRT Holdings TRS, L.L.C., our subsidiary that holds our third party management, construction (through cessation of our
construction business in the first quarter of 2015), restaurant, cafeteria, health clubs and certain cleaning operations, as taxable
REIT subsidiaries. Taxable REIT subsidiaries may participate in non-real estate activities and/or perform non-customary
services for tenants and their operations are generally subject to regular corporate income taxes. Our taxable REIT subsidiaries
accounts for its income taxes in accordance with GAAP, which includes an estimate of the amount of taxes payable or
refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been
recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. The calculation of the taxable REIT subsidiaries' tax provisions may
require interpreting tax laws and regulations and could result in the use of judgments or estimates which could cause its
recorded tax liability to differ from the actual amount due. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary
differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for
income tax purposes. The taxable REIT subsidiaries periodically assess the realizability of deferred tax assets and the adequacy
of deferred tax liabilities, including the results of local, state, or federal statutory tax audits or estimates and judgments used.
We apply provisions for measuring and recognizing tax benefits associated with uncertain income tax positions.
Penalties and interest, if incurred, would be recorded as a component of income tax expense. As of December 31, 2015 and
2014, we do not have a liability for uncertain tax positions. As of December 31, 2015, the tax years ended December 31, 2012
through December 31, 2015 remain open for an audit by the Internal Revenue Service, state or local authorities.
During the periods presented, the entities included in our predecessor's consolidated financial statements are treated as
partnerships or S corporations for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes and, accordingly, are not subject to entity-level
tax. Rather, each entity’s taxable income or loss is allocated to its owners. Therefore, no provision or liability for U.S. federal or
state income taxes has been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for those periods.
Two of the limited liability companies in our Predecessor had non-real estate income subject to New York City
unincorporated business tax (“NYCUBT”). In 2013, one of these entities generated a loss for NYCUBT purposes while the
other entity generated income. No provision or liability for U.S. federal, state, or local income taxes has been included in our
Predecessor's consolidated financial statements as 2013 taxable income referred to above was fully offset by a NYCUBT net
operating loss carry forward from previous years. As a result of the consolidation and concurrent liquidation of the entities that
had previously been subject to the NYCUBT, the NYCUBT net operating loss carryforward of $13.4 million at October 6, 2013
can no longer be used.
Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation is measured at the fair value of the award on the date of grant and recognized as an expense
on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The determination of fair value of these awards is subjective and involves
significant estimates and assumptions including expected volatility of our stock, expected dividend yield, expected term, and
assumptions of whether these awards will achieve parity with other operating partnership units or achieve performance
thresholds. We believe that the assumptions and estimates utilized are appropriate based on the information available to
management at the time of grant.
Per Share Data
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Basic and diluted earnings per share are computed based upon the weighted average number of shares outstanding during
the respective period.
Segment Reporting
We have identified two reportable segments: (1) Real Estate and (2) Observatory. Our real estate segment includes all
activities related to the ownership, management, operation, acquisition, repositioning and disposition of our real estate assets.
Our observatory segment operates the 86th and 102nd floor observatories at the Empire State Building. These two lines of
businesses are managed separately because each business requires different support infrastructures, provides different services
and has dissimilar economic characteristics such as investments needed, stream of revenues and different marketing strategies.
We account for intersegment sales and transfers as if the sales or transfers were to third parties, that is, at current market prices.
We include our construction operation in "Other" and it includes all activities related to providing construction services to
tenants and to other entities within and outside our company. As of March 27, 2015, we no longer solicited new business for
our construction management business. We completed all projects that were in progress.
Reclassification
Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to our current year presentation primarily in order to
include acquired lease intangibles, net as part of deferred costs, net, to present ground rent expense and income tax expense
accounts separately and to reclassify acquisition expenses from other expenses to operating expenses.
Recently Issued or Adopted Accounting Standards
During January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update
("ASU") No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10) - Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets
and Liabilities, which makes targeted improvements to existing generally accepted accounting principles by requiring, among
others, i) equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, or those that result in
consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, and ii) public
business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, iii)
separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset (that is,
securities or loans and receivables) on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements. ASU No.
2016-01 will take effect for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods
within those fiscal years. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this new accounting standard on our financial statements.
During September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the
Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments, which requires an acquirer to recognize adjustments to provisional amounts
that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined.
Previously, adjustments to provisional amounts were applied retrospectively. This update requires an entity to present
separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes the portion of the amount recorded in current-period
earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts
had been recognized as of the acquisition date. ASU No. 2015-16 will be effective for fiscal years beginning January 1, 2016
and subsequent interim periods. We do not expect the adoption of this new accounting standard to have a material impact on
our financial statements.
During June 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-10, Technical Corrections and Improvements, which contains
amendments that represent changes to clarify the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification”), correct
unintended application of guidance, or make minor improvements to the Codification that are not expected to have a significant
effect on current accounting practice or create a significant administrative cost to most entities. The amendments in ASU No.
2015-10 that require transition guidance are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal
years, beginning after December 15, 2015. All other amendments will be effective upon its issuance. We do not expect the
adoption of this new accounting standard to have a material impact on our financial statements.
During April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30):
Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which amends the requirements for the presentation of debt issuance costs
and requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction
from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. ASU No. 2015-03 is effective for fiscal years,
beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those fiscal years. ASU No. 2015-03 was amended in August
2015 by ASU No. 2015-15, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) - Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of
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Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements, to add to the Codification SEC staff guidance that the SEC
staff will not object to an entity presenting the costs of securing line-of-credit arrangements as an asset, regardless of whether
there are any outstanding borrowings. The SEC Observer to the Emerging Issues Task Force announced the staff guidance in
response to questions that arose after the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03. We elected to early adopt ASU 2015-03 as of
December 31, 2015, and retrospectively reclassified $13.0 million of debt issuance costs as of December 31, 2014 from
deferred costs, net to mortgage notes payable, senior unsecured notes, unsecured term loan facility and unsecured revolving
credit facility.
During February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810)—Amendments to the
Consolidation Analysis, which amends the criteria for determining which entities are considered VIEs, amends the criteria for
determining if a service provider possesses a variable interest in a VIE and ends the deferral granted to investment companies
for application of the VIE consolidation model. ASU No. 2015-02 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods therein,
beginning after December 15, 2015. The standard allows for either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to
adoption. We do not expect the adoption of this new accounting standard to have a material impact on our financial statements.
During May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This new standard
will replace all current U.S. GAAP guidance related to revenue recognition and eliminate all industry-specific guidance. The
new revenue recognition standard provides a unified model to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core
principle is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an
amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This
guidance will be effective beginning in 2017 and can be applied either retrospectively to each period presented or as a
cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this new accounting standard
on our financial statements.
During April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of
Disposals of Components of an Entity. ASU No. 2014-08 changes the definition of a discontinued operation to include only
those disposals of components of an entity that represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s
operations and financial results. This guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014.
The adoption of ASU No. 2014-08 did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
3. Acquisitions
2014 Acquisitions
On July 15, 2014, we acquired the ground and operating lease at 111 West 33rd Street (formerly known as 112 West
34th Street) (and the fee title to 122 West 34th Street) for $423.6 million, consisting of $87.7 million by assumption of existing
mortgage debt, $106.9 million in cash and $229.0 million in shares of Class A and Class B common stock and Series PR OP
units. In connection with this transaction, we issued 1,217,685 shares of Class A common stock and 77,945 shares of Class B
common stock at a share price of $16.65 and 12,457,379 Series PR OP Units at a unit price of $16.65.
On July 15, 2014, we acquired the ground lease at 1400 Broadway for $310.0 million, consisting of $80.0 million by
assumption of existing mortgage debt, $79.7 million in cash and $150.3 million in shares of Class A and Class B common stock
and Series PR OP units. In connection with this transaction, we issued 1,338,488 shares of Class A common stock and 32,452
shares of Class B common stock at a share price of $16.65 and 7,658,516 Series PR OP Units at a unit price of $16.65.
The following table is an allocation of the purchase price for the assets and liabilities acquired (amounts in thousands):
F-19
Consideration paid:
Cash and issuance of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, and Series PR OP units
Debt assumed
Total consideration paid
Net assets acquired:
Land and building and improvements
Acquired below-market ground leases
Acquired above-market leases
Acquired in place lease value and deferred leasing costs
Mortgage notes payable, inclusive of premium
Acquired below-market leases
Other liabilities, net of other assets
Total net assets acquired
2013 Acquisitions
$
$
$
$
565,916
167,684
733,600
354,429
334,178
13,088
88,374
(182,851)
(36,553)
(4,749)
565,916
On October 7, 2013, as discussed in Note 1, through the Offering and formation transactions we acquired the assets and
liabilities of the four entities in which our predecessor held non-controlling interests. The contribution or acquisition of assets in
these entities was accounted for as an acquisition under the acquisition method of accounting and recognized at the estimated
fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities on the date of such contribution or acquisition. Prior to the acquisition, our
predecessor had a 23.75%, 50.0%, 50.0%, and 20.469% non-controlling interest in Empire State Building Company, L.L.C.,
1333 Broadway Associates, L.L.C., 1350 Broadway Associates, L.L.C., and 501 Seventh Avenue Associates, L.L.C.,
respectively.
Upon acquisition, we remeasured the assets and liabilities we acquired from the non-controlled entities at fair value and
recorded gains of $214.3 million, which are classified as gain on consolidation of non-controlled entities in the accompanying
statement of operations. This gain was calculated based on the difference between the total consideration value of our
predecessor’s ownership interests of $302.7 million compared to our predecessor’s historical cost interests of $88.4 million. We
determined that the fair values of the assets acquired from and assumed liabilities for 1333 Broadway Associates, L.L.C. and
1350 Broadway Associates, L.L.C. were greater than the consideration granted and we recorded gains of $41.0 million and $32.1
million, respectively, which were classified as gain on consolidation of non-controlled entities in the accompanying statement of
operations. There are operating leases between one of our predecessor entities and Empire State Building Company, L.L.C. and
501 Seventh Avenue Associates, L.L.C. Based upon current market rates for similar arrangements, we determined that the
current market rent would be less than the pre-existing contractual rent existing at the time of the Offering and formation
transactions under the operating leases. Accordingly, upon elimination of the leasehold position and the related liability for the
above-market leases, we recorded gains of $35.2 million, which are classified as gain on consolidation of non-controlled entities
in the accompanying statement of operations.
F-20
The following table is an allocation of the purchase price for the assets and liabilities acquired in the formation
transactions (amounts in thousands).
Consideration paid:
Cash and issuance of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, and OP units
Debt assumed
Total consideration paid
Net assets acquired:
Land
Building and improvements
Acquired below-market ground lease
Acquired above-market leases
Acquired in place lease value and deferred leasing costs
Goodwill
Other assets, net of other liabilities
Mortgage notes payable
Acquired below-market leases
Total net assets acquired
Gain on the elimination of leasehold positions
Fair values of the assets acquired and assumed liabilities were greater than the consideration granted:
1333 Broadway Associates L.L.C.
1350 Broadway Associates L.L.C.
Total
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,047,487
124,354
1,171,841
91,435
516,344
62,738
72,123
186,415
491,479
6,061
(136,226)
(134,651)
1,155,718
35,147
40,962
32,122
108,231
We acquired Empire State Building Company, L.L.C. and 501 Seventh Avenue Associates, L.L.C. for an amount in
excess of their net tangible and identified intangible assets and liabilities and as a result we recorded goodwill related to the
transaction (see also Note 5). Goodwill was allocated $227.5 million to the observatory operations of the Empire State Building,
$250.8 million to Empire State Building Company, L.L.C., and $13.2 million to 501 Seventh Avenue Associates, L.L.C. No
amount of goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.
4. Investments in Non-controlled Entities
We had no investment in in non-controlled entities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.
On October 7, 2013, as part of the Offering and formation transactions, we acquired the assets and liabilities held by
the four non-controlled entities (see discussion in Note 3). The investments in non-controlled entities consisted of the
following for the period January 1, 2013 through October 6, 2013:
Entity
Empire State Building Company, L.L.C.
1333 Broadway Associates, L.L.C.
1350 Broadway Associates, L.L.C.
501 Seventh Avenue Associates, L.L.C.
Property
350 Fifth Ave, New York, NY
1333 Broadway, New York, NY
1350 Broadway, New York, NY
501 Seventh Ave, New York, NY
Nominal % Ownership
23.750%
50.000%
50.000%
20.469%
Empire State Building Company, L.L.C. was the operating lessee of the property at 350 Fifth Avenue. The land and
fee owner, Empire State Building Associates L.L.C., was a predecessor controlled entity whose operations are included in our
predecessor's combined financial statements.
1333 Broadway Associates, L.L.C. owned the fee and leasehold positions at the same address.
1350 Broadway Associates, L.L.C. was the operating lessee of the property at the same address.
F-21
501 Seventh Avenue Associates L.L.C. was the operating lessee of the property at the same address. The fee owner,
Seventh Avenue Building Associates L.L.C., was a predecessor controlled entity whose operations are included in our
predecessor's combined financial statements.
Our predecessor's share of income from these entities may have exceeded nominal ownership percentages based on
the achievement of certain income thresholds as set forth in the relevant partnership agreements.
The following reflects summarized financial information of the non-controlled entities for the period January 1, 2013
through October 6, 2013 (amounts in thousands):
Statements of Operations
Revenue:
Period from January 1, 2013 to October 6, 2013
Empire
State
Building
Co.
1333
Broadway
Associates
1350
Broadway
Associates
501
Seventh
Avenue
Associates
Total
Rental revenue and other
$
101,496
$
11,711
$
16,439
$
13,991
$
143,637
Observatory revenue
Total revenue
Expenses:
Operating expenses—rental
Operating expenses—overage rent
Operating expenses—observatory
Interest
Depreciation and amortization
Total expenses
Net income
Our predecessor's share of equity in net
income of non-controlled entities
$
$
76,687
178,183
89,670
10,894
17,150
—
10,997
128,711
49,472
13,467
$
$
—
11,711
—
16,439
—
13,991
76,687
220,324
5,766
7,989
10,830
114,255
—
—
3,620
2,186
11,572
139
70
$
$
—
—
2,461
3,264
13,714
2,725
1,179
$
$
106
—
—
1,127
12,063
1,928
159
11,000
17,150
6,081
17,574
166,060
54,264
14,875
$
$
5. Deferred Costs, Acquired Lease Intangibles and Goodwill
Deferred costs, net, consisted of the following at December 31, (amounts in thousands):
Leasing costs
Acquired in-place lease value and deferred leasing costs
Acquired above-market leases
Less: accumulated amortization
Total deferred costs, net
2015
2014
121,864
285,902
81,680
489,446
(178,767)
310,679
$
$
100,653
304,916
84,633
490,202
(132,740)
357,462
$
$
Amortization expense related to deferred leasing and acquired deferred leasing costs was $25.4 million, $21.9 million,
and $10.6 million, for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Amortization expense related to
acquired lease intangibles was $37.7 million, $33.7 million and $5.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and
2013, respectively.
F-22
Amortizing acquired intangible assets and liabilities consisted of the following at December 31, (amounts in
thousands):
Acquired below-market ground leases
Less: accumulated amortization
Acquired below-market ground leases, net
Acquired below-market leases
Less: accumulated amortization
Acquired below-market leases, net
2015
2014
396,916
(13,025)
383,891
2015
(163,290)
59,119
(104,171)
$
$
$
$
396,916
(5,029)
391,887
2014
(169,805)
30,946
(138,859)
$
$
$
$
Rental revenue related to the amortization of below market leases, net of above market leases was $19.4 million, $14.1
million and $1.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The remaining weighted-average
amortization period as of December 31, 2015 is 26.0 years, 4.9 years, 4.0 years and 4.5 years for below-market ground leases,
in-place leases and deferred leasing costs, above-market leases and below-market leases, respectively. We expect to recognize
amortization expense and rental revenue from the acquired intangible assets and liabilities as follows (amounts in thousands):
For the year ending:
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Thereafter
Future
Ground Rent
Amortization
Future
Amortization
Expense
Future Rental
Revenue
$
$
7,831
7,831
7,831
7,831
7,831
344,736
$
32,756
25,331
19,298
16,534
13,389
64,027
$
383,891
$
171,335
$
9,283
5,658
6,338
6,552
3,453
18,643
49,927
As of December 31, 2015, we had goodwill of $491.5 million. In 2013, we acquired the interests in Empire State
Building Company, L.L.C. and 501 Seventh Avenue Associates, L.L.C. for an amount in excess of their net tangible and
identified intangible assets and liabilities and as a result we recorded goodwill related to the transaction. Goodwill was
allocated $227.5 million to the observatory operations of the Empire State Building, $250.8 million to Empire State Building,
and $13.2 million to 501 Seventh Avenue.
We performed an annual review of goodwill for impairment and concluded there was no impairment of goodwill. Our
methodology to review goodwill impairment, which includes a significant amount of judgment and estimates, provides a
reasonable basis to determine whether impairment has occurred. However, many of the factors employed in determining
whether or not goodwill is impaired are outside of our control and it is reasonably likely that assumptions and estimates will
change in future periods.
6. Debt
Debt consisted of the following as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands):
F-23
Principal Balance as
of December 31,
2015
Principal Balance as
of December 31,
2014
Stated
Rate
Effective
Rate(1)
Maturity
Date(2)
As of December 31, 2015
$
Mortgage debt collateralized by:
Fixed rate mortgage debt
10 Union Square
10 Bank Street
1542 Third Avenue
First Stamford Place
383 Main Avenue
1010 Third Avenue and 77 West 55th
Street
1333 Broadway
1400 Broadway
(first lien mortgage loan)
(second lien mortgage loan)
112 West 34th Street
(first lien mortgage loan)
(second lien mortgage loan)
1350 Broadway
Metro Center
Total fixed rate mortgage debt
Floating rate mortgage debt
1359 Broadway(3)
One Grand Central Place(3)
Total floating rate mortgage
debt
Total mortgage debt
Senior unsecured notes - exchangeable
Senior unsecured notes payable:
Series A
Series B
Series C
Unsecured term loan facility
Unsecured revolving credit facility
Secured revolving credit facility
Secured term credit facility
Total principal
Unamortized premiums, net of
unamortized discount
Deferred financing costs, net
$
20,289
32,214
18,222
238,765
29,269
27,064
68,646
68,732
9,600
76,406
9,640
38,348
97,950
735,145
—
—
—
735,145
250,000
100,000
125,000
125,000
265,000
40,000
—
—
1,640,145
5,181
(12,910)
20,641
32,847
18,628
242,294
29,852
27,595
69,575
69,689
9,803
77,484
9,763
38,900
99,845
746,916
44,146
91,000
135,146
882,062
250,000
—
—
—
—
—
170,000
300,000
1,602,062
9,590
(12,998)
6.00%
5.72%
5.90%
5.65%
5.59%
5.69%
6.32%
6.12%
3.35%
6.01%
6.56%
5.87%
3.59%
6.76%
6.21%
6.59%
6.17%
6.02%
6.37%
3.79%
5/1/2017
6/1/2017
6/1/2017
7/5/2017
7/5/2017
7/5/2017
1/5/2018
3.37%
3.36%
2/5/2018
2/5/2018
3.33%
3.63%
3.77%
4/5/2018
4/5/2018
4/5/2018
3.68% 11/5/2024
2.63%
3.93% 8/15/2019
3.93%
4.09%
4.18%
(5)
(4)
(4)
(4)
3.93% 3/27/2025
4.09% 3/27/2027
4.18% 3/27/2030
8/24/2022
1/23/2019
(5)
(4)
(4)
(4)
Total
______________
$
1,632,416
$
1,598,654
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
The effective rate is the yield as of December 31, 2015, including the effects of debt issuance costs and the amortization of the fair value of debt adjustment.
Pre-payment is generally allowed for each loan upon payment of a customary pre-payment penalty.
Repaid in 2015.
The secured revolving and term credit facility was terminated on January 23, 2015, concurrent with entering into the unsecured revolving credit facility. At
December 31, 2015, the unsecured revolving credit facility bears a floating rate at 30 day LIBOR plus 1.15%. The rate at December 31, 2015 was 1.58%.
The unsecured term loan facility bears a floating rate at 30 day LIBOR plus 1.60%. The rate at December 31, 2015 was 2.03%. Pursuant to a forward interest
rate swap agreement, the LIBOR rate was fixed at 2.1485% for $265.0 million of the unsecured term loan facility for the period beginning on August 31, 2017
through maturity.
F-24
Principal Payments
Aggregate required principal payments at December 31, 2015 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
Year
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Thereafter
Total principal maturities
Deferred Financing Costs
Amortization
12,387
$
$
Maturities
Total
— $
12,387
10,070
2,880
2,188
2,268
9,706
355,761
262,210
290,000
—
692,675
365,831
265,090
292,188
2,268
702,381
$
39,499
$ 1,600,646
$ 1,640,145
Deferred financing costs, net, consisted of the following at December 31, (amounts in thousands):
Financing costs
Less: accumulated amortization
Total deferred financing costs, net
2015
2014
$
$
20,882
(7,972)
12,910
$
$
17,334
(4,336)
12,998
Amortization expense related to deferred financing costs was $6.1 million, $7.6 million, and $12.7 million, for the
years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.
Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility
On January 23, 2015, we entered into an unsecured revolving credit agreement, which is referred to herein as the
“unsecured revolving credit facility,” with Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs and the other lenders party thereto.
Merrill Lynch acted as joint lead arranger; Bank of America acted as administrative agent; and Goldman Sachs acted as
syndication agent and joint lead arranger.
Concurrently with the entering into the unsecured revolving credit facility, on January 23, 2015, we terminated the
secured revolving and term credit facility and wrote off $1.3 million of deferred financing costs. In connection with the
termination of the existing facility, all of the guarantors thereunder were released from their guaranty obligations, all liens
created thereby were terminated, and all collateral pledged thereunder was released.
The unsecured revolving credit facility is comprised of a revolving credit facility in the maximum original principal
amount of $800.0 million. The unsecured revolving credit facility contains an accordion feature that would allow us to increase
the maximum aggregate principal amount to $1.25 billion under specified circumstances. As of December 31, 2015, the
unsecured revolving credit facility had an outstanding balance of $40.0 million.
Amounts outstanding under the unsecured revolving credit facility will bear interest at a floating rate equal to, at our
election, (x) a Eurodollar rate, plus a spread that we expect will range from 0.875% to 1.600% depending upon our leverage
ratio and credit rating; or (y) a base rate, plus a spread that we expect will range from 0.000% to 0.600% depending upon our
leverage ratio and credit rating. In addition, the unsecured revolving credit facility permits us to borrow at competitive bid
rates determined in accordance with the procedures described in the unsecured revolving credit facility. We paid certain
customary fees and expense reimbursements.
The initial maturity of the unsecured revolving credit facility is January 2019. We have the option to extend the initial
term of the unsecured revolving credit facility for up to two additional 6-month periods, subject to certain conditions, including
the payment of an extension fee equal to 0.075% of the then outstanding commitments under the unsecured revolving credit
facility.
The unsecured revolving credit facility includes the following financial covenants: (i) maximum leverage ratio of total
indebtedness to total asset value of the loan parties and their consolidated subsidiaries will not exceed 60%, (ii) consolidated
F-25
secured indebtedness will not exceed 40% of total asset value, (iii) tangible net worth will not be less than $745.4 million plus
75% of net equity proceeds received by us (other than proceeds received within ninety (90) days after the redemption,
retirement or repurchase of ownership or equity interests in us up to the amount paid by us in connection with such redemption,
retirement or repurchase, where, the net effect is that we shall not have increased our net worth as a result of any such
proceeds), (iv) adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the unsecured revolving credit facility) to consolidated fixed charges will not
be less than 1.50x, (v) the aggregate net operating income with respect to all unencumbered eligible properties to the portion of
interest expense attributable to unsecured indebtedness will not be less than 1.75x, (vi) the ratio of total unsecured indebtedness
to unencumbered asset value will not exceed 60%, and (vii) consolidated secured recourse indebtedness will not exceed 10% of
total asset value (provided, however, this covenant shall not apply at any time after we achieve a debt ratings from at least two
of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch, and such debt ratings are Baa3 or better (in the case of a rating by Moody’s) or BBB- or better (in
the case of a rating by S&P or Fitch)).
The unsecured revolving credit facility contains customary covenants, including limitations on liens, investment, debt,
fundamental changes, and transactions with affiliates, and will require certain customary financial reports. The unsecured
revolving credit facility contains customary events of default (subject in certain cases to specified cure periods), including but
not limited to non-payment, breach of covenants, representations or warranties, cross defaults, bankruptcy or other insolvency
events, judgments, ERISA events, invalidity of loan documents, loss of real estate investment trust qualification, and
occurrence of a change of control (defined in the definitive documentation for the unsecured credit facility).
As of December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with the covenants under the unsecured revolving credit facility.
Secured Revolving and Term Credit Facility
As of December 31, 2014, the secured revolving and term credit facility had an outstanding balance of $470.0 million.
The secured revolving and term credit facility was terminated on January 23, 2015 concurrent with entering into the unsecured
revolving credit facility described above.
Senior Unsecured Notes
Exchangeable Senior Notes
During August 2014, we issued $250.0 million principal amount of 2.625% Exchangeable Senior Notes (“Senior
Notes”) due August 15, 2019. In connection with this offering, we received net proceeds of $246.9 million, after deducting the
related underwriting discounts and commissions and issuance costs.
Interest on the Senior Notes will be payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year,
beginning February 15, 2015. The Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all
of our other senior unsecured indebtedness and effectively subordinated in right of payment to all of our secured indebtedness
(to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness) and structurally subordinated to all liabilities and
preferred equity of our subsidiaries.
The Senior Notes will mature on August 15, 2019, unless earlier exchanged, redeemed or repurchased. Holders may
exchange their Senior Notes at their option at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding
May 15, 2019 only under the following circumstances: (i) during any calendar quarter beginning after September 30, 2014 (and
only during such quarter) if the closing sale price of our Class A common stock is more than 130% of the then current exchange
price for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) in the period of the 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last
trading day of the previous calendar quarter; (ii) during the five consecutive business-day period following any five consecutive
trading-day period in which the trading price per 1,000 principal amount of the Senior Notes for each trading day during such
five consecutive trading-day period in which the trading price per 1,000 principal amount of the Senior Notes for each trading
day during such five trading-day period was less than 98% of the closing sale price of our Class A common stock, for each
trading day during such five trading-day period multiplied by the then current exchange rate; (iii) if we call any or all of the
Senior Notes for redemption, at any time prior to the close of business on the scheduled trading day immediately preceding the
redemption date; or (iv) upon the occurrence of specified corporate transactions (significant consolidation, sale, merger, share
exchange, fundamental change, etc.).
On or after May 15, 2019, and on or prior to the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity
date, holders may exchange their notes without regard to the foregoing conditions.
F-26
The Senior Notes will be exchangeable into cash, shares of Class A common stock or a combination of cash and shares
of Class A common stock, at our election. We have asserted it is our intent and ability to settle the principal amount of the
Senior Notes in cash. The initial exchange rate of Senior Notes is 51.4059 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes
(equivalent to an initial exchange price of approximately $19.45 per share of Class A common stock), subject to adjustment, as
described in the related indenture governing the Senior Notes.
Following certain corporate transactions which constitute a make-whole fundamental change (defined in the
indenture), we will increase the exchange rate for holders who elect to exchange their Senior Notes in connection with such
make whole fundamental change in certain circumstances. Following certain corporate transactions which constitute a
fundamental change, holders may require us to repurchase the Senior Notes for cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal
amount of the notes to be purchased plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the repurchase date.
We have separately accounted for the liability and equity components of the Senior Notes by bifurcating gross
proceeds between the indebtedness, or liability component, and the embedded conversion option, or the equity component. The
bifurcation was done by estimating an effective interest rate as of the date of the issuance for similar notes which do not contain
an embedded conversion option. This effective interest rate was estimated to be 3.8% and was used to compute the fair value at
the time of issuance for the indebtedness of $236.6 million. The gross proceeds from the issuance of the Senior Notes less the
initial amount allocated to the indebtedness resulted in a $13.4 million allocation to the embedded conversion option which is
included in Equity, net of financing costs, in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. The resulting
debt discount is being amortized over the five year period in which the Senior Notes are expected to be outstanding (that is,
through maturity date) as additional non-cash interest expense. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the unamortized discount
was $9.7 million and $12.3 million, respectively. The additional non-cash interest expense attributable to the Senior Notes will
increase in subsequent reporting periods through the maturity date as the Senior Notes accrete to their par value over the same
period.
Underwriting discounts and commissions and issuance costs totaled $3.1 million and were allocated to the
indebtedness and the embedded conversion option on a pro-rata basis and accounted for as debt issuance costs and equity
issuance costs, respectively. In this connection, $2.9 million attributable to the indebtedness was recorded as part of deferred
costs, to be subsequently amortized using the effective interest method as interest expense over the expected term of the Senior
Notes, and $0.2 million attributable to the embedded conversion option was recorded as a reduction to Equity in the
consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, total interest expense related to the Senior Notes was $9.9 million
and $3.8 million, respectively, consisting of (i) the contractual interest expense of $6.6 million and $2.5 million, respectively,
(ii) the additional non-cash interest expense of $2.7 million and $1.1 million, respectively, related to the accretion of the debt
discount, and (iii) the amortization of deferred financing costs of $0.6 million and $0.2 million, respectively.
Series A, Series B, and Series C Senior Notes
During March 2015, we issued and sold an aggregate principal amount of $350 million senior unsecured notes
consisting of $100 million of 3.93% Series A Senior Notes due 2025, $125 million of 4.09% Series B Senior Notes due 2027,
and $125 million of 4.18% Series C Senior Notes due 2030 (together, the “Series A, B and C Senior Notes”). Interest on the
Series A, B and C Senior Notes is payable quarterly.
The terms of the Series A, B and C Senior Notes agreement include customary covenants, including limitations on
liens, investment, debt, fundamental changes, and transactions with affiliates and will require certain customary financial
reports. It also requires compliance with financial ratios consistent with our unsecured revolving credit facility including a
maximum leverage ratio, a maximum secured leverage ratio, a minimum amount of tangible net worth, a minimum fixed
charge coverage ratio, a minimum unencumbered interest coverage ratio, a maximum unsecured leverage ratio and a maximum
amount of secured recourse indebtedness.
The proceeds from the issuance of the Series A, B and C Senior Notes were used to repay outstanding mortgage debt,
reduce amounts outstanding under the unsecured revolving credit facility and for other general corporate purposes. As of
December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with the covenants under the Series A, B and C Senior Notes.
Senior Unsecured Term Loan Facility
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During August 2015, we entered into a senior unsecured term loan facility, which is referred to herein as the “term
loan facility” with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, Capital One, National Association, as
syndication agent, PNC Bank, National Association, as documentation agent, and the lenders from time to time party thereto.
The term loan facility is in the original principal amount of up to $265.0 million, all of which was borrowed at closing.
Amounts outstanding under the term loan facility bear interest at a floating rate equal to, at our election, (x) a LIBOR
rate, plus a spread that ranges from 1.400% to 2.350% depending upon our leverage ratio and credit rating; or (y) a base rate,
plus a spread that ranges from 0.400% to 1.350% depending upon our leverage ratio and credit rating. Pursuant to a forward
interest rate swap agreement, we effectively fixed LIBOR at 2.1485% for $265.0 million of the term loan facility for the period
beginning on August 31, 2017 through maturity. In connection with the closing of the term loan facility, we paid certain
customary fees and expense reimbursements.
The term loan facility matures on August 24, 2022. We may prepay loans under the term loan facility at any time,
subject to certain notice requirements. To the extent that we prepay all or any portion of a loan on or prior to August 24, 2017,
we will pay a prepayment premium equal to (i) if such prepayment occurs on or prior to August 24, 2016, 2.00% of the
principal amount so prepaid, and (ii) if such prepayment occurs after August 24, 2016 but on or prior to August 24, 2017,
1.00% of the principal amount so prepaid.
The terms of the term loan facility agreement include customary covenants, including limitations on liens, investment,
debt, fundamental changes, and transactions with affiliates and will require certain customary financial reports. The term loan
facility requires compliance with financial ratios including a maximum leverage ratio, a maximum secured leverage ratio, a
minimum amount of tangible net worth, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, a minimum unencumbered interest coverage
ratio, a maximum unsecured leverage ratio and a maximum amount of secured recourse indebtedness. It also contains
customary events of default (subject in certain cases to specified cure periods). These terms in the term loan facility agreement
are consistent with the terms under our unsecured revolving credit facility agreement.
The proceeds from the term loan facility were used to repay borrowings made under the unsecured revolving credit
facility. As of December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with the covenants under the term loan facility.
7. Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in
thousands):
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Payable to the estate of Leona M. Helmsley (1)
Interest rate swap agreements liability
Accrued interest payable
Due to affiliated companies
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$
2015
2014
$
83,352
18,367
1,922
5,555
1,903
68,488
18,367
—
5,953
3,755
$
111,099
$
96,563
___________
(1)
Reflects a payable to the estate of Leona M. Helmsley for New York City transfer taxes which would have been payable in absence of the estate's exemption from
such tax.
8. Financial Instruments and Fair Values
Derivative Financial Instruments
We use derivative financial instruments primarily to manage interest rate risk and such derivatives are not considered
speculative. These derivative instruments are typically in the form of interest rate swap and forward agreements and the
primary objective is to minimize interest rate risks associated with investing and financing activities. The counterparties of
these arrangements are major financial institutions with which we may also have other financial relationships. We are exposed
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to credit risk in the event of non-performance by these counterparties; however, we currently do not anticipate that any of the
counterparties will fail to meet their obligations.
We have agreements with our derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if we either default or are
capable of being declared in default on any of our indebtedness, then we could also be declared in default on our derivative
obligations. As of December 31, 2015, the fair value of derivatives in a net liability position, which includes accrued interest
but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk, related to these agreements was $2.0 million. If we had breached any of
these provisions at December 31, 2015, we could have been required to settle our obligations under the agreements at their
termination value of $2.0 million.
As of December 31, 2015, we have three interest rate LIBOR swaps with an aggregate notional value of $465.0
million. The notional value does not represent exposure to credit, interest rate or market risks. The fair value of these derivative
instruments, which is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheet, amounted to $1.9
million at December 31, 2015. These interest rate swaps have been designated as cash flow hedges and hedge the future cash
outflows on our mortgage debt and also on our term loan facility that is subject to a floating interest rate. As of December 31,
2015, these cash flow hedges are deemed effective and an unrealized loss of $1.9 million is reflected in the consolidated
statements of comprehensive income (loss). Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to
derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on these debt. We estimate that no amount of
the current balance held in accumulated other comprehensive loss will be reclassified into interest expense within the next 12
months.
The table below summarizes the terms of agreements and the fair values of our derivative financial instruments as of
December 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollar amounts in thousands):
Derivative
Notional
Amount Receive Rate Pay Rate
Effective Date
Expiration
Date
Asset
Liability
Asset
Liability
As of December 31, 2015
December 31, 2015
December 31, 2014
Interest rate swap
$ 265,000
Interest rate swap
100,000
Interest rate swap
100,000
1 Month
LIBOR
3 Month
LIBOR
3 Month
LIBOR
2.1485% August 31, 2017 August 24, 2022
$
— $
(1,620)
$
— $
2.5050%
July 5, 2017
July 5, 2027
2.5050%
July 5, 2017
July 5, 2027
—
—
(148)
(154)
—
—
$
— $
(1,922)
$
— $
—
—
—
—
The table below shows the effect of our derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges for the years
ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands):
Effects of Cash Flow Hedges
December 31, 2015
December 31, 2014
Amount of gain loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) - effective
portion
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
(loss) into interest expense - effective portion
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other Income/expense - ineffective portion
$
(1,922)
—
—
—
—
—
Fair Valuation
The estimated fair values at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were determined by management, using available market
information and appropriate valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment is necessary to interpret market data and develop
estimated fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts we could realize
on disposition of the financial instruments. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have
a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
The fair value of derivative instruments, which is classified as Level 2, and measured on a recurring basis, is
determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of
each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses
observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. The fair values of interest rate swaps are
determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts (or payments) and the
discounted expected variable cash payments (or receipts). The variable cash payments (or receipts) are based on an expectation
of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves.
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The fair value of borrowings, which is classified as Level 3, is estimated by discounting the contractual cash flows of
each debt to their present value using adjusted market interest rates, which is provided by a third-party specialist.
The following tables summarize the carrying and estimated fair values of our financial instruments as of December 31,
2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands):
Carrying
Value
December 31, 2015
Estimated Fair Value
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Interest rate swaps included in accounts
payable and accrued expenses
Mortgage notes payable
Senior unsecured notes - exchangeable
Senior unsecured notes - Series A, B, and C
Unsecured revolving credit facility
Unsecured term loan facility
$
1,922
$
1,922
$
— $
1,922
$
—
747,661
238,208
348,810
35,192
262,545
752,350
251,391
344,501
40,000
265,000
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
752,350
251,391
344,501
40,000
265,000
Carrying
Value
December 31, 2014
Estimated Fair Value
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Mortgage notes payable
$
898,998
$
912,365
$
— $
— $
Senior unsecured notes - exchangeable
Term loan and credit facility
234,980
464,676
253,469
470,000
—
—
—
—
912,365
253,469
470,000
Disclosure about the fair value of financial instruments is based on pertinent information available to us as of
December 31, 2015 and 2014. Although we are not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the reasonable fair
value amounts, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these financial statements since that date
and current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.
9. Rental Income
We lease various office spaces to tenants over terms ranging from one to 16 years. Certain leases have renewal options
for additional terms. The leases provide for base monthly rentals and reimbursements for real estate taxes, escalations linked to
the consumer price index or common area maintenance known as operating expense escalation. Operating expense
reimbursements are reflected in our consolidated statements of operations as tenant expense reimbursement.
As of December 31, 2015, we were entitled to the following future contractual minimum lease payments on non-
cancellable operating leases to be received which expire on various dates through 2031 (amounts in thousands):
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Thereafter
$
$
423,874
401,147
358,731
325,703
284,462
1,248,224
3,042,141
The above future minimum lease payments exclude tenant recoveries, amortization of deferred rent receivables and the
net accretion of above-below-market lease intangibles. Some leases are subject to termination options generally upon
payment of a termination fee. The preceding table is prepared assuming such options are not exercised.
10. Commitments and Contingencies
Legal Proceedings
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Litigation
Except as described below, as of December 31, 2015, we were not involved in any material litigation, nor, to our
knowledge, was any material litigation threatened against us or our properties, other than routine litigation arising in the
ordinary course of business such as disputes with tenants. We believe that the costs and related liabilities, if any, which may
result from such actions, will not materially affect our consolidated financial position, operating results or liquidity.
In March 2012, five putative class actions, or the "Original Class Actions," were filed in New York State Supreme
Court, New York County by investors in certain of the existing entities (constituting the predecessor and the non-controlled
entities) (the "Existing Entities") on March 1, 2012, March 7, 2012, March 12, 2012, March 14, 2012 and March 19, 2012. The
plaintiffs asserted claims against our predecessor’s management companies, Anthony E. Malkin, Peter L. Malkin, the estate of
Leona M. Helmsley, our operating partnership and us for breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment and/or aiding and abetting
breach of fiduciary duty. They alleged, among other things, that the terms of the consolidation and the process by which it was
structured (including the valuation that was employed) are unfair to the investors in the Existing Entities, the consolidation
provides excessive benefits to Malkin Holdings LLC (now our subsidiary) and its affiliates and the then-draft prospectus/
consent solicitation with respect to the consolidation filed with the SEC failed to make adequate disclosure to permit a fully-
informed decision about the consolidation. The complaints sought money damages and injunctive relief preventing the
consolidation. The Original Class Actions were consolidated and co-lead plaintiffs’ counsel were appointed by the New York
State Supreme Court by order dated June 26, 2012. Further, an underlying premise of the Original Class Actions, as noted in
discussions among plaintiffs' counsel and defendants' counsel, was that the consolidation had been structured in such a manner
that would cause investors in Empire State Building Associates L.L.C., 60 East 42nd St. Associates L.L.C. and 250 West 57th
St. Associates L.L.C. (the “subject LLCs”) immediately to incur substantial tax liabilities.
The parties entered into a Stipulation of Settlement dated September 28, 2012, resolving the Original Class Actions.
The Stipulation of Settlement recites that the consolidation was approved by overwhelming consent of the investors in the
Existing Entities. The Stipulation of Settlement states that counsel for the plaintiff class satisfied themselves that they have
received adequate access to relevant information, including the independent valuer's valuation process and methodology, that
the disclosures in the Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended, are appropriate, that the consolidation presents
potential benefits, including the opportunity for liquidity and capital appreciation, that merit the investors' serious consideration
and that each of the named class representatives intends to support the consolidation as modified. The Stipulation of Settlement
further states that counsel for the plaintiff class are satisfied that the claims regarding tax implications, enhanced disclosures,
appraisals and exchange values of the properties that would be consolidated into our company, and the interests of the investors
in the Existing Entities, have been addressed adequately, and they have concluded that the settlement pursuant to the Stipulation
of Settlement and opportunity to consider the proposed consolidation on the basis of revised consent solicitations are fair,
reasonable, adequate and in the best interests of the plaintiff class.
The defendants in the Stipulation of Settlement denied that they committed any violation of law or breached any of
their duties and did not admit that they had any liability to the plaintiffs.
The terms of the settlement include, among other things (i) a payment of $55.0 million, with a minimum of 80% in
cash and maximum of 20% in freely-tradable shares of common stock and/or freely-tradable operating partnership units to be
distributed, after reimbursement of plaintiffs' counsel's court-approved expenses and payment of plaintiffs' counsel's court-
approved attorneys' fees (which are included within the $55.0 million settlement payment) and, in the case of shares of
common stock and/or operating partnership units, after the termination of specified lock-up periods, to investors in the Existing
Entities pursuant to a plan of allocation to be prepared by counsel for plaintiffs; (ii) defendants' agreement that (a) the Offering
would be on the basis of a firm commitment underwriting; (b) if, during the solicitation period, any of the three subject LLCs'
percentage of total exchange value is lower than what was stated in the final prospectus/consent solicitation with respect to the
consolidation by 10% or more, such decrease would be promptly disclosed by defendants to investors in the subject LLCs; and
(c) unless total gross proceeds of $600.0 million are raised in the Offering, defendants will not proceed with the consolidation
without further approval of the subject LLCs; and (iii) defendants' agreement to make additional disclosures in the prospectus/
consent solicitation with respect to the consolidation regarding certain matters (which are included therein). Investors in the
Existing Entities will not be required to bear any portion of the settlement payment. The payment in settlement of the Original
Class Actions will be made by the estate of Leona M. Helmsley and affiliates of Malkin Holdings LLC (provided that none of
Malkin Holdings LLC's affiliates that would become our direct or indirect subsidiary in the consolidation will have any liability
for such payment) and certain investors in the Existing Entities who agree to contribute. We will not bear any of the settlement
payment.
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The settlement further provides for the certification of a class of investors in the Existing Entities, other than
defendants and other related persons and entities, and a release of any claims of the members of the class against the defendants
and related persons and entities, as well as underwriters and other advisors. The release in the settlement excludes certain
claims, including but not limited to, claims arising from or related to any supplement to the Registration Statement on Form S-4
that is declared effective to which the plaintiffs' counsel objects in writing, which objection will not be unreasonably made or
delayed, so long as plaintiffs' counsel has had adequate opportunity to review such supplement. There was no such supplement
that plaintiff's counsel objected to in writing. The settlement was subject to court approval. It was not effective until such court
approval is final, including the resolution of any appeal. Defendants continue to deny any wrongdoing or liability in connection
with the allegations in the Original Class Actions.
On January 18, 2013, the parties jointly moved for preliminary approval of the settlement, for permission to send
notice of the settlement to the class, and for the scheduling of a final settlement hearing. On January 28, 2013, six of the
investors in Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. filed an objection to preliminary approval, and cross-moved to intervene
in the Original Class Actions and for permission to file a separate complaint on behalf of the investors in Empire State Building
Associates L.L.C. On February 21, 2013, the court denied the cross motion of such objecting investors, and the court denied
permission for such objecting investors to file a separate complaint as part of the Original Class Actions, but permitted them to
file a brief solely to support their allegation that the buyout would deprive non-consenting investors in Empire State Building
Associates L.L.C. of “fair value” in violation of the New York Limited Liability Company Law. The court rejected the
objecting investors’ assertion that preliminary approval be denied and granted preliminary approval of the settlement.
Pursuant to a decision issued on April 30, 2013, the court rejected the allegation regarding the New York Limited
Liability Company Law and ruled in Malkin Holdings LLC’s favor, holding that such buyout provisions are legally binding and
enforceable and that investors do not have the rights they claimed under the New York Limited Liability Company Law.
On May 2, 2013, the court held a hearing regarding final approval of the Original Class Actions settlement, at the
conclusion of which the court stated that it intended to approve the settlement. On May 17, 2013, the court issued its Opinion
and Order. The court rejected the objections by all objectors and upheld the settlement in its entirety. Of the approximately
4,500 class members who are investors in all of the Existing Entities included in the consolidation, 12 opted out of the
settlement. Those who opted out will not receive any share of the settlement proceeds, but can pursue separate claims for
monetary damages.
Also on May 17, 2013, the court issued its Opinion and Order on attorneys’ fees. Class counsel applied for an award
of $15.0 million in fees and $295,895 in expenses, which the court reduced to $11.59 million in fees and $265,282 in expenses
(which are included within the $55.0 million settlement payment).
The investors who challenged the buyout provision filed a notice of appeal of the court’s April 30, 2013 decision and
moved before the appellate court for a stay of all proceedings relating to the settlement, including such a stay as immediate
interim relief. On May 1, 2013, their request for immediate interim relief was denied. On May 13, 2013, Malkin Holdings
LLC filed its brief in opposition to the motion for the stay. On June 18, 2013, the appellate court denied the motion for the stay.
On July 16, 2013, these investors filed their brief and other supporting papers on their appeal of the April 30, 2013 decision,
which are required to perfect the appeal. On September 4, 2013, Malkin Holdings LLC filed its brief on the appeal, and also
moved to dismiss the appeal on the grounds that these investors lack standing to pursue it. Malkin Holdings LLC contended
that these investors were not entitled to appraisal under the New York Limited Liability Company Law because, among other
reasons (i) they are not members of Empire State Building Associates L.L.C., and only members have such rights; (ii) the
transaction in question is not a merger or consolidation as defined by statute, and appraisal only applies in those transactions;
and (iii) when Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. was converted into a limited liability company, the parties agreed that
no appraisal would apply. Moreover, Malkin Holdings LLC contended that only the 12 investors who opted out of the class
action settlement could pursue appraisal, because that settlement contains a broad release of (and there is an associated bar
order from the court preventing) any such claims. Malkin Holdings LLC further noted that of the six investors attempting to
pursue the appeal, only two had in fact opted out of the class action settlement. On September 13, 2013, these investors filed
their reply brief on the appeal, and opposed the motion to dismiss. On September 19, 2013, Malkin Holdings LLC filed its
reply brief on the motion to dismiss. On October 3, 2013, the appeals court denied the motion to dismiss without prejudice to
address the matter directly on the appeal, effectively referring the issues raised in the motion to the panel that was to hear the
appeal itself. The appeals court heard argument on November 21, 2013, and in a Decision and Order dated February 25, 2014,
it affirmed the trial court’s ruling.
In addition, on June 20, 2013, these same investors, and one additional investor who also opposed the settlement of the
Original Class Action, filed additional notices of appeal from the trial court’s rulings in the Original Class Actions. These
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notices of appeal related to (i) the order entered February 22, 2013 granting preliminary approval of the Original Class Action
settlement and setting a hearing for final approval; (ii) the order entered February 26, 2013, refusing to sign a proposed order to
show cause for a preliminary injunction regarding the consolidation; (iii) an order entered April 2, 2013, denying the motion to
intervene and to file a separate class action on behalf of Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. investors; (iv) the order
entered April 10, 2013, refusing to sign the order to show cause seeking to extend the deadline for class members to opt out of
the Original Class Action settlement; (v) the Final Judgment and Order entered May 17, 2013; (vi) the order entered May 17,
2013 approving the Original Class Action settlement; and (vii) the order entered May 17, 2013 awarding class counsel
attorneys’ fees and costs. On January 6, 2014, Class counsel moved to dismiss these additional appeals on the grounds that
they were not timely perfected by filing an appellate brief and record. On February 6, 2014, the appeals court granted the
motion unless the appeals were perfected by March 17, 2014.
On March 27, 2014, the investors who challenged the buyout provision moved in the appellate court for reargument or
in the alternative for leave to appeal the appeals court’s ruling to the New York Court of Appeals. Opposition to the motion was
filed on April 7, 2014. The appellate court denied the motion on May 22, 2014. The investors moved in the New York Court of
Appeals for leave to appeal on June 26, 2014. Opposition to this motion was filed on July 11, 2014 and the court dismissed the
motion by order dated September 18, 2014. On October 20, 2014, the investors moved to re-argue that dismissal. That motion
was denied on December 17, 2014, and counsel for these investors has represented that the investors do not intend to pursue
further appellate review of the court’s April 30, 2013 ruling rejecting the challenge to the buyout provision. On March 3, 2015,
plaintiffs' counsel filed a motion with the court for its approval of distribution of the net settlement fund. In that motion
plaintiffs' counsel also asked for additional fees and expenses to be paid out of the fund. On March 20, 2015, Malkin Holdings
LLC filed a response to that motion in which it supported distribution of the fund and took no position on additional fees and
expenses. No opposition to the motion was filed and the court granted the motion. Substantially all of the net settlement fund
has been distributed to the class, but a small amount remains outstanding.
On March 14, 2014, one of the investors who had filed a notice of appeal from the trial court’s rulings in the Original
Class Actions noted above perfected an appeal from the court’s May 17, 2013 Final Judgment and Order and orders approving
the Original Class Action Settlement and awarding class counsel attorneys’ fees and costs. By stipulation of all counsel to the
appeal dated September 12, 2014, the appeal was dismissed with prejudice. No other appeals were filed by the March 17, 2014
deadline set by the appeals court in its February 6, 2014 order. The Original Class Actions Settlement is final and non-
appealable.
In addition, commencing December 24, 2013, four putative class actions, or the "Second Class Actions," were filed in
New York State Supreme Court, New York County, against Malkin Holdings LLC, Peter L. Malkin, Anthony E. Malkin and
Thomas N. Keltner, Jr. on behalf of former investors in Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. Generally, the Second Class
Actions alleged that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties and were unjustly enriched. One of the Second Class
Actions named us and our operating partnership as defendants, alleging that they aided and abetted the breaches of fiduciary
duty. The Second Class Actions were consolidated on consent, and co-lead class counsel was appointed by order dated
February 11, 2014. A Consolidated Amended Complaint was filed February 7, 2014, which did not name us or our operating
partnership as defendants. It seeks monetary damages. On March 7, 2014, defendants filed a motion to dismiss the Second
Class Actions, which the plaintiffs opposed and was fully submitted to the court on April 28, 2014. The court heard oral
arguments on the motion on July 7, 2014, and the motion to dismiss was granted in a ruling entered July 21, 2014. The
plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal on August 8, 2014. On January 12, 2015, the plaintiffs filed a motion to supplement the
record on appeal to include additional materials from the Original Class Action, which the defendants opposed. The motion was
denied on March 5, 2015. The plaintiffs perfected this appeal by filing their brief and the appellate record with the court on
March 23, 2015. Oral argument on the appeal was held on October 28, 2015. On November 25, 2015, the appellate court
affirmed dismissal of the Second Class Actions. The plaintiffs have moved the appellate court for leave to appeal to the New
York Court of Appeals. That motion is fully submitted and awaiting a ruling from the appellate court.
We will incur costs in connection with this litigation. If an appeal were successful and the court were ultimately to rule
against the defendants, there is a risk that it could have a material adverse effect on us, which could take the form of monetary
damages or other equitable relief. At this time, due to the spectrum of remedies which may result from the outcome of the
matter and the difficulty in calculating and allocating damages (if any) among the defendants, we cannot reasonably assess the
timing or outcome of this litigation and any related indemnification obligations, estimate the amount of loss, or assess their
effect, if any, on our financial statements.
On or about October 14, 2014, the 12 investors (out of approximately 4,500 investors covered by the Original Class
Actions) who opted out of the Original Class Actions filed an arbitration with the American Arbitration Association against
Peter L. Malkin, Anthony E. Malkin, Thomas N. Keltner, Jr., and Malkin Holdings LLC, as respondents, alleging breach of
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fiduciary duty and related claims in connection with the consolidation. The statement of claim in that arbitration seeks
monetary damages and declaratory relief. The respondents filed an answering statement and counterclaims. On December 18,
2014, these claimants also filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York alleging
the same claims that they asserted in the arbitration. As alleged in the complaint, the claimants filed this lawsuit to toll the
statute of limitations on their claims in the event it is determined that the claims are not subject to arbitration, and they plan to
move to stay the lawsuit in favor of the pending arbitration. On February 2, 2015, the claimants filed an amended complaint
adding an additional claim and making other non-substantive modifications to the original complaint. On March 12, 2015, the
court stayed the action on consent of all parties pending the arbitration. Discovery in the arbitration is proceeding and the
hearings are scheduled to commence May 24, 2016.
As with the prior claims challenging the consolidation and related matters, the defendants believe the allegations in the
arbitration are entirely without merit and they intend to defend vigorously.
In connection with the Offering and formation transactions, we entered into indemnification agreements with our
directors, executive officers and chairman emeritus, providing for the indemnification by us for certain liabilities and expenses
incurred as a result of actions brought, or threatened to be brought, against them. As a result, Anthony E. Malkin, Peter L.
Malkin and Thomas N. Keltner, Jr. have defense and indemnity rights from us with respect to the Second Class Actions and the
above-referenced arbitration.
Additionally, there is a risk that other third parties will assert claims against us, Malkin Holdings LLC, or any other
party entitled to defense and indemnity from us, including, without limitation, claims that Malkin Holdings LLC breached its
fiduciary duties to investors in the Existing Entities or that the consolidation violates the relevant operating agreements, and
third parties may commence litigation related to such claims. As a result, we may incur costs associated with defending or
settling such litigation or paying any judgment if we lose.
Ground Lease Commitments
We make payments under ground leases related to three of our properties. Minimum rent is expensed on a straight-line
basis over the non-cancellable term of the leases. The ground leases are due to expire between the years 2050 and 2077. Future
minimum lease payments to be paid over the terms of the leases are as follows (amounts in thousands):
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Thereafter
Total
$
$
1,518
1,518
1,518
1,518
1,518
56,730
64,320
Unfunded Capital Expenditures
At December 31, 2015, we estimate that we will incur approximately $51.2 million of capital expenditures
(including tenant improvements and leasing commissions) on our properties pursuant to existing lease agreements. We
expect to fund these capital expenditures with operating cash flow, additional property level mortgage financings, our
unsecured credit facility, cash on hand and other borrowings. Future property acquisitions may require substantial capital
investments for refurbishment and leasing costs. We expect that these financing requirements will be met in a similar fashion.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that subject us to credit risk consist primarily of cash, restricted cash, tenant and other
receivables and deferred rent receivables. At December 31, 2015, we held on deposit at various major financial institutions
cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash balances in excess of amounts insured by the FDIC.
Real Estate Investments
Our properties are located in Manhattan, New York; Fairfield County, Connecticut; and Westchester County, New
York. The latter locations are suburbs of the city of New York. The ability of the tenants to honor the terms of their respective
leases is dependent upon the economic, regulatory and social factors affecting the markets in which the tenants operate. We
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perform ongoing credit evaluations of our tenants for potential credit losses.
Tenant Credit Evaluations
Our investments in real estate properties are subject to risks incidental to the ownership and operation of commercial
real estate. These risks include, among others, the risks normally associated with changes in general economic conditions,
trends in the real estate industry, creditworthiness of tenants, competition of tenants and customers, changes in tax laws, interest
rate levels, the availability and cost of financing, and potential liability under environmental and other laws.
We may require tenants to provide some form of credit support such as corporate guarantees and/or other financial
guarantees and we perform ongoing credit evaluations of tenants. Although the tenants operate in a variety of industries, to
the extent we have a significant concentration of rental revenue from any single tenant, the inability of that tenant to make its
lease payments could have an adverse effect on our company.
Major Customers and Other Concentrations
For the year ended December 31, 2015, other than three tenants who account for 6.7%, 3.5% and 2.0% of rental
revenues, no other tenant in our portfolio account for more than 2.0% of rental revenues. For the year ended December 31,
2014, other than three tenants who accounted for 8.2%, 4.2% and 2.3% of rental revenues, no other tenant in our portfolio
accounted for more than 2.0% of rental revenues.
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, five properties accounted for the following percent of total rental
revenues. In 2015, no other property accounted for more than 5.0% of total rental revenues.
Empire State Building
One Grand Central Place
111 West 33rd Street (formerly known as 112 West 34th Street)
1400 Broadway
First Stamford Place
Asset Retirement Obligations
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2014
31.4%
12.2%
8.3%
7.7%
6.5%
33.9%
13.5%
4.4%
3.9%
7.0%
We are required to accrue costs that we are legally obligated to incur on retirement of our properties which result from
acquisition, construction, development and/or normal operation of such properties. Retirement includes sale, abandonment or
disposal of a property. Under that standard, a conditional asset retirement obligation represents a legal obligation to perform an
asset retirement activity in which the timing and/or method of settlement is conditional on a future event that may or may not
be within a company’s control and a liability for a conditional asset retirement obligation must be recorded if the fair value of
the obligation can be reasonably estimated. Environmental site assessments and investigations have identified asbestos or
asbestos-containing building materials in certain of our properties. As of December 31, 2015, management has no plans to
remove or alter these properties in a manner that would trigger federal and other applicable regulations for asbestos removal,
and accordingly, the obligations to remove the asbestos or asbestos-containing building materials from these properties have
indeterminable settlement dates. As such, we are unable to reasonably estimate the fair value of the associated conditional asset
retirement obligation. However ongoing asbestos abatement, maintenance programs and other required documentation are
carried out as required and related costs are expensed as incurred.
Other Environmental Matters
Certain of our properties have been inspected for soil contamination due to pollutants, which may have occurred prior
to our ownership of these properties or subsequently in connection with its development and/or its use. Required remediation to
such properties has been completed and as of December 31, 2015, management believes that there are no obligations related to
environmental remediation other than maintaining the affected sites in conformity with the relevant authority’s mandates and
filing the required documents. All such maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. We expect that resolution of the
environmental matters relating to the above will not have a material impact on our business, assets, consolidated and combined
financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. However, we cannot be certain that we have identified all environmental
liabilities at our properties, that all necessary remediation actions have been or will be undertaken at our properties or that we
will be indemnified, in full or at all, in the event that such environmental liabilities arise.
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Insurance Coverage
We carry insurance coverage on our properties of types and in amounts with deductibles that we believe are in line
with coverage customarily obtained by owners of similar properties.
Multiemployer Pension and Defined Contribution Plans
We contribute to a number of multiemployer defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective bargaining
agreements that cover our union-represented employees. The risks of participating in these multiemployer plans are
different from single-employer plans in the following aspects:
• Assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees
of other participating employers.
•
•
If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne
by the remaining participating employers.
If we choose to stop participating in some of our multiemployer plans, we may be required to pay those plans
an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.
We participate in various unions. The union which has significant employees and costs is as follows:
32BJ
We participate in the Building Service 32BJ, or Union, Pension Plan and Health Plan. The Pension Plan is a multi-
employer, non-contributory defined benefit pension plan that was established under the terms of collective bargaining
agreements between the Service Employees International Union, Local 32BJ, the Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations,
Inc. and certain other employers. This Pension Plan is administered by a joint board of trustees consisting of union trustees
and employer trustees and operates under employer identification number 13-1879376. The Pension Plan year runs from
July 1 to June 30. Employers contribute to the Pension Plan at a fixed rate on behalf of each covered employee. Separate
actuarial information regarding such pension plans is not made available to the contributing employers by the union
administrators or trustees, since the plans do not maintain separate records for each reporting unit. However, on September
28, 2011, September 28, 2012, September 27, 2013, September 26, 2014, and September 28, 2015, the actuary certified that
for the plan years beginning July 1, 2010, July 1, 2011 and July 1, 2012, July 1, 2013, July 1, 2014 and July 1, 2015,
respectively, the Pension Plan was in critical status under the Pension Protection Act of 2006. The Pension Plan trustees
adopted a rehabilitation plan consistent with this requirement. For each of the years ended June 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013,
the Pension Plan received contributions from employers totaling $242.3 million, $224.5 million and $221.9 million,
respectively.
The Health Plan was established under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Union, the Realty
Advisory Board on Labor Relations, Inc. and certain other employers. The Health Plan provides health and other benefits to
eligible participants employed in the building service industry who are covered under collective bargaining agreements, or
other written agreements, with the Union. The Health Plan is administered by a Board of Trustees with equal representation
by the employers and the Union and operates under employer identification number 13-2928869. The Health Plan receives
contributions in accordance with collective bargaining agreements or participation agreements. Generally, these agreements
provide that the employers contribute to the Health Plan at a fixed rate on behalf of each covered employee. For the years
ended June 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Health Plan received contributions from employers totaling $1.1 billion, $1.0
billion and $923.5 million, respectively.
Terms of Collective Bargaining Agreements
The most recent collective bargaining agreement for Local 32BJ commenced from January 1, 2016 through December
31, 2019 (prior agreement was from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2015).
Contributions
Contributions we made to the multi-employer plans for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are included
in the table below (amounts in thousands):
F-36
Benefit Plan
Pension Plans (pension and annuity)*
Health Plans**
Other***
Total plan contributions
2015
2014
2013
$
$
3,077
8,296
619
11,992
$
$
2,871
7,628
319
10,818
$
$
1,201
3,319
232
4,752
*
Pension plans include $0.7 million, $0.8 million and $0.4 million for the years ended 2015, 2014 and 2013,
respectively, to multiemployer plans not discussed above.
** Health plans include $1.4 million, $1.5 million and $0.8 million for the years ended 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively,
to multiemployer plans not discussed above.
*** Other includes $0.2 million, $0.08 million and $0.05 million for the years ended 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, in
connection with other multiemployer plans not discussed above for union costs which were not itemized between
pension and health plans.
The increase in plan contributions in 2015 is mainly due to the acquisition of two properties during July 2014 which
resulted in a full year's contributions in 2015 for the employees covered by these benefit plans.
11. Equity
Shares and Units
An operating partnership unit ("OP Unit") and a share of our common stock have essentially the same economic
characteristics as they receive the same per unit profit distributions of our operating partnership. On the one-year anniversary
of issuance, an OP Unit may be tendered for redemption for cash, however, we have sole and absolute discretion and the
authorized common stock to exchange for shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis instead of cash.
Long-term incentive plan ("LTIP") units are a special class of partnership interests in our operating partnership. Each
LTIP unit awarded will be deemed equivalent to an award of one share of stock under the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan ("2013
Plan"), reducing the availability for other equity awards on a one-for-one basis. The vesting period for LTIP units, if any, will
be determined at the time of issuance. Cash distributions on each LTIP unit, whether vested or not, will be the same as those
made on the OP Units. Under the terms of the LTIP units, our operating partnership will revalue for tax purposes its assets
upon the occurrence of certain specified events, and any increase in valuation from the time of grant until such event will be
allocated first to the holders of LTIP units to equalize the capital accounts of such holders with the capital accounts of OP
unitholders. Subject to any agreed upon exceptions, once vested and having achieved parity with OP unitholders, LTIP units
are convertible into OP Units in our operating partnership on a one-for-one basis.
The following is net income attributable to common stockholders and the issuance of our class A shares in exchange
for the conversion of OP units into common stock (amounts in thousands):
Year ended
December 31,
2015
Year ended
December 31,
2014
Period from
October 7, 2013
through
December 31,
2013
Net income attributable to common stockholders
Increase in additional paid-in capital for the conversion of OP units
into common stock
Change from net income attributable to common stockholders and
transfers from noncontrolling interests
$
$
33,730
$
26,667
$
75,245
62,003
40,611
—
95,733
$
67,278
$
75,245
As of December 31, 2015, there were approximately 267.6 million OP Units outstanding, of which approximately
120.0 million, or 44.9%, were owned by us and approximately 147.6 million, or 55.1%, were owned by other partners,
including certain directors, officers and other members of executive management.
Private Perpetual Preferred Units
During August 2014, we completed an exchange offer whereby we issued 1,560,360 new Private Perpetual Preferred
Units ("Preferred Units") in exchange for OP Units on a one-for-one basis, in reliance on Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act
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of 1933, as amended. The exchange offer was made only to then current holders of OP Units and was not made or offered to the
public or holders of our common stock or any other security. The Preferred Units have a liquidation preference of $16.62 per
unit and are entitled to receive cumulative preferential annual cash distributions of $0.60 per unit payable in arrears on a
quarterly basis. The Preferred Units are not redeemable at the option of the holders and are redeemable at our option only in the
case of specific defined events. In connection with this exchange offer, we incurred $1.4 million of costs, which were expensed
as incurred and included in marketing, general, and administrative expenses.
Dividends and Distributions
The following table summarizes the dividends declared and paid on our Class A common stock and Class B common
stock for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the period from October 7, 2013 to December 31, 2013:
Declaration Date
December 3, 2015
August 25, 2015
May 20, 2015
February 18, 2015
December 1, 2014
September 2, 2014
May 22, 2014
February 21, 2014
Record Date
Payment Date
Amount per Share
December 15, 2015
December 31, 2015
September 15, 2015
September 30, 2015
June 15, 2015
March 13, 2015
June 30, 2015
March 31, 2015
December 15, 2014
December 31, 2014
September 15, 2014
September 30, 2014
June 13, 2014
March 14, 2014
June 30, 2014
March 31, 2014
$0.0850
$0.0850
$0.0850
$0.0850
$0.0850
$0.0850
$0.0850
$0.0850
December 5, 2013
December 16, 2013
December 30, 2013
$0.0795 (1)
(1) Represents a pro-ration of a full quarter distribution of $0.085 per share.
Total dividends paid to common securityholders during 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $39.2 million, $33.6 million and
$7.6 million, respectively. Total distributions paid to OP unitholders, excluding inter-company distributions, during 2015, 2014
and 2013 totaled $51.8 million, $53.6 million and $11.9 million, respectively. Total distributions paid to Preferred unitholders
during 2015 and 2014 were $0.9 million and $0.5 million, respectively.
Earnings and profits, which determine the tax treatment of distributions to securityholders, will differ from income
reported for financial reporting purposes due to the differences for federal income tax purposes, including, but not limited to,
treatment of loss on extinguishment of debt, revenue recognition, compensation expense, and basis of depreciable assets and
estimated useful lives used to compute depreciation. The 2015 and 2014 dividends of $0.34 per share and 2013 dividends of
$0.0795 per share are classified for income tax purposes as 100.0% taxable ordinary dividend.
Incentive and Share-Based Compensation
The 2013 Plan provides for grants to our directors, employees and consultants consisting of stock options, restricted
stock, dividend equivalents, stock payments, performance shares, LTIP units, stock appreciation rights and other incentive
awards. An aggregate of approximately 12.2 million shares of our common stock are authorized for issuance under awards
granted pursuant to the 2013 Plan, and as of December 31, 2015, approximately 10.2 million shares of common stock remain
available for future issuance.
In June 2015, we made grants of LTIP units to our non-employee directors under the 2013 Plan. At such time, we
granted a total of 35,082 LTIP units that are subject to time-based vesting, with fair market values of $0.6 million. The awards
vest ratably over three years from the date of the grant, subject generally to the director's continued service on our Board of
Directors.
In February 2015, we made grants of LTIP units to executive officers under the 2013 Plan. At such time, we granted a
total of 168,033 LTIP units that are subject to time-based vesting and 154,266 LTIP units that are subject to performance-based
vesting, with fair market values of $2.9 million for the time-based vesting awards and $1.3 million for the performance-based
vesting awards. The awards subject to time-based vesting vest ratably over four years from January 1, 2015, subject generally
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to the grantee's continued employment. The first installment vests on the first-year anniversary date of January 1, 2015 and the
remainder will vest thereafter in three equal annual installments. The vesting of the LTIP units subject to performance-based
vesting is based on the achievement of absolute and relative total stockholder return hurdles over a three-year performance
period, commencing on January 1, 2015. Following the completion of the three-year performance period, our compensation
committee will determine the number of LTIP units to which the grantee is entitled based on our performance relative to the
performance hurdles set forth in the LTIP unit award agreements the grantee entered into in connection with the award grant.
These units then vest in two installments, with the first installment vesting on January 1, 2018 and the second installment
vesting on January 1, 2019, subject generally to the grantee's continued employment on those dates.
In February 2015, we made grants of LTIP units and restricted stock to certain other employees under the 2013 Plan.
At such time, we granted a total of 33,398 LTIP units and 14,315 shares of restricted stock that are subject to time-based
vesting and 33,398 LTIP units and 14,315 shares of restricted stock that are subject to performance-based vesting, with fair
market values of $0.8 million for the time-based vesting awards and $0.4 million for the performance-based vesting awards.
The awards subject to time-based vesting vest ratably over four years from January 1, 2015, subject generally to the grantee's
continued employment. The first installment vests on the first-year anniversary date of January 1, 2015 and the remainder will
vest thereafter in three equal annual installments. The vesting of the awards subject to performance-based vesting is based on
the achievement of absolute and relative total stockholder return hurdles over a three-year performance period, commencing on
January 1, 2015. Following the completion of the three-year performance period, our compensation committee will determine
the number of LTIP units or shares to which the grantee is entitled based on our performance relative to the performance
hurdles set forth in the award agreements the grantee entered into in connection with the award grant. These units and shares
then vest in two installments, with the first installment vesting on January 1, 2018 and the second installment vesting on
January 1, 2019, subject generally to the grantee's continued employment on those dates.
In February 2015, we made a grant of LTIP units to an executive officer under the 2013 Plan. At such time, we granted
a total of 13,736 LTIP units that are subject to time-based vesting and 13,736 LTIP units that are subject to performance-based
vesting, with fair market values of $0.2 million for the time-based vesting awards and $0.1 million for the performance-based
vesting awards. The awards subject to time-based vesting vest ratably over four years from the date of the grant, subject
generally to the grantee's continued employment. The first installment vests on the first-year anniversary date of the grant and
the remainder will vest thereafter in three equal annual installments. The vesting of the LTIP units subject to performance-
based vesting is based on the achievement of absolute and relative total stockholder return hurdles over a three-year
performance period, commencing on February 1, 2015. Following the completion of the three-year performance period, our
compensation committee will determine the number of LTIP units to which the grantee is entitled based on our performance
relative to the performance hurdles set forth in the LTIP unit award agreements the grantee entered into in connection with the
award grant. These units then vest in two installments, with the first installment vesting on February 1, 2018 and the second
installment vesting on February 1, 2019, subject generally to the grantee's continued employment on those dates.
In January 2015, we made a grant of LTIP units to an employee under the 2013 Plan. We granted a total of 9,531 LTIP
units with a fair market value of $0.2 million. The award is subject to time-based vesting and all LTIP units vest on April 1,
2020, subject generally to the grantee's continued employment.
We have made other grants during 2015 with fair market values of less than $0.1 million in the aggregate.
In October 2014, we made grants of restricted stock to certain other employees under the 2013 Plan. At such time, we
granted a total of 1,571 shares of restricted stock that are subject to time-based vesting and 1,571 shares of restricted stock that
are subject to performance-based vesting, with fair market values of $0.02 million for the time-based vesting awards and $0.01
million for the performance -based vesting awards. The awards subject to time-based vesting vest ratably over four years from
the date of the grant, subject generally to the grantee's continued employment. The first installment will vest on October 28,
2015 and the remainder will vest thereafter in three equal annual installments. The vesting of the LTIP units subject to
performance-based vesting is based on the achievement of absolute and relative total stockholder return hurdles over a three-
year performance period, commencing on October 28, 2014. Following the completion of the three-year performance period,
our compensation committee will determine the number of shares to which the grantee is entitled based on our performance
relative to the performance hurdles set forth in the LTIP unit award agreements the grantee entered into in connection with the
initial award grant. These units then vest in two substantially equal installments, with the first installment vesting on October
28, 2017 and the second installment vesting on October 28, 2018, subject generally to the grantee's continued employment on
those dates.
In June 2014, we made grants of LTIP units to our non-employee directors under the 2013 Plan. At such time, we
granted a total of 32,196 LTIP units that are subject to time-based vesting, with fair market values of $0.5 million. The awards
F-39
vest ratably over three years from the date of the grant, subject generally to the director's continued service on our Board of
Directors.
In April 2014, we made a grant of LTIP units to an employee under the 2013 Plan. We granted a total of 48,923 LTIP
units with a fair market value of $0.7 million. The award is subject to time-based vesting of 30% after three years (April 2017),
30% after four years (April 2018), and 40% after five years (April 2019), subject to the grantee's continued employment.
In January 2014, we made grants of LTIP units to executive officers under the 2013 Plan. At such time, we granted a
total of 180,260 LTIP units that are subject to time-based vesting and 180,263 LTIP units that are subject to performance-based
vesting, with fair market values of $2.5 million for the time-based vesting awards and $0.9 million for the performance-based
vesting awards. The awards subject to time-based vesting vest ratably over four years from the date of the grant, subject
generally to the grantee's continued employment. The first installment vested on January 1, 2015 and the remainder will vest
thereafter in three equal annual installments. The vesting of the LTIP units subject to performance-based vesting is based on
the achievement of absolute and relative total stockholder return hurdles over a three-year performance period, commencing on
January 1, 2014. Following the completion of the three-year performance period, our compensation committee will determine
the number of shares to which the grantee is entitled based on our performance relative to the performance hurdles set forth in
the LTIP unit award agreements the grantee entered into in connection with the initial award grant. These units then vest in two
substantially equal installments, with the first installment vesting on January 1, 2017 and the second installment vesting on
January 1, 2018, subject generally to the grantee's continued employment on those dates.
In January and April 2014, we made grants of LTIP units and restricted stock to certain other employees under the
2013 Plan. At such time, we granted a total of 23,487 LTIP units and 7,061 shares of restricted stock that are subject to time-
based vesting and 23,484 LTIP units and 7,059 shares of restricted stock that are subject to performance-based vesting, with fair
market values of $0.4 million for the time-based vesting awards and $0.2 million for the performance-based vesting awards.
These shares are subject to time-based and performance-based vesting, with the terms described above.
Concurrently with the closing of the Offering and the adoption of the 2013 Plan, we made grants of LTIP units to
executive officers under the 2013 Plan. At such time, we granted a total of 440,192 LTIP units that are subject to time-based
vesting and 146,730 LTIP units that are subject to performance-based vesting, with fair market values of $5.4 million for the
time-based vesting awards and $0.9 million for the performance-based vesting awards. The awards subject to time-based
vesting vest in four substantially equal installments, subject to the grantee's continued employment. The first installment vests
on the first anniversary of the grant date and the remainder will vest thereafter in three equal annual installments. The vesting of
the LTIP units subject to performance-based vesting is based on the achievement of absolute and relative total stockholder
return hurdles over a three-year performance period, commencing on October 2, 2013. Following the completion of the three-
year performance period, our compensation committee will determine the number of shares to which the grantee is entitled
based on our performance relative to the performance hurdles set forth in the LTIP units award agreements the grantee entered
into in connection with the initial award grant. These units then vest in two substantially equal installments, with the first
installment vesting on the third anniversary of the grant date and the second installment vesting on the fourth anniversary of the
grant date, subject to the grantee's continued employment on those dates.
Concurrently with the closing of the Offering and the adoption of the 2013 Plan, we made grants of LTIP units and
restricted stock to certain other employees under the 2013 Plan. At such time, we granted a total of 193,059 LTIP units and
119,146 shares of restricted stock that are subject to time-based vesting and 64,352 LTIP units and 39,706 shares of restricted
stock that are subject to performance-based vesting, with fair market values of $3.9 million for the time-based vesting awards
and $0.6 million for the performance-based vesting awards. These shares are subject to time-based and performance-based
vesting, with the terms described above.
Concurrently with the closing of the Offering and the adoption of the 2013 Plan, we made grants of LTIP units to our
non-employee directors under the 2013 Plan. At such time, we granted a total of 69,228 LTIP units that are subject to time-
based vesting, with fair market values of $0.9 million. The awards vest in three substantially equal installments, subject to the
director's continued service on our Board of Directors. The first installment vests on the first anniversary of the grant date and
the remainder will vest thereafter in two equal annual installments.
Share-based compensation is measured at the fair value of the award on the date of grant and recognized as an expense
on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. For the performance-based LTIP units and restricted stock awards, the fair
value of the awards was estimated using a Monte Carlo Simulation model. Our stock price, along with the prices of the
comparative indexes, is assumed to follow the Geometric Brownian Motion Process. Geometric Brownian motion is a
common assumption when modeling in financial markets, as it allows the modeled quantity (in this case, the stock price) to
vary randomly from its current value and take any value greater than zero. The volatilities of the returns on our stock price and
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the comparative indexes were estimated based on implied volatilities and historical volatilities using a six-year look-back
period. The expected growth rate of the stock prices over the performance period is determined with consideration of the risk
free rate as of the grant date. For LTIP units and restricted stock grants that are time-vesting, we estimate the stock
compensation expense based on the fair value of the stock at the grant date.
Share-based compensation expense has been adjusted by an amount of estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated
based on historical experience at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ
from those estimates. Based on an analysis of historical data, we have calculated a 0% annual forfeiture rate for members of the
Board of Directors, a 0% annual forfeiture rate for executive officers, and for all other employees a 5% annual forfeiture rate.
We reevaluate this analysis periodically and adjust these estimated forfeiture rates as necessary. To the extent actual results or
updated estimates differ from our current estimates, such amounts will be recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period
estimates are revised.
LTIP units and restricted stock issued during the year ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were valued at $6.6
million, $5.4 million and $11.7 million, respectively. The weighted-average per unit or share fair value was $13.36, $10.65 and
$10.89 for grants issued in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The per unit or share granted in 2015 was estimated on the
respective dates of grant using the following assumptions: an expected life of 3.0 and 2.9 years, a dividend rate of 1.9%, a risk-
free interest rate of 0.8% and 1.0%, and an expected price volatility between 24.0% and 29.0%. The per unit or share granted
in 2014 was estimated on the respective dates of grant using the following assumptions: an expected life of 3.0 years, a
dividend rate of 2.60% a risk-free interest rate of 0.8%, and an expected price volatility of 26.0%. The per unit or share granted
in 2013 was estimated on the date of grant using the following assumptions: an expected life of 3.0 years, a dividend rate of
2.60%, a risk-free interest rate of 0.66%, and an expected price volatility of 28.0%.
No other stock options, dividend equivalents, or stock appreciation rights were issued or outstanding in 2015, 2014
and 2013.
The following is a summary of restricted stock and LTIP unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2015:
Unvested balance at December 31, 2014
Vested
Granted
Forfeited
Unvested balance at December 31, 2015
Restricted
Stock
LTIP Units
Weighted Average
Grant Price
102,296
(25,223)
30,020
(9,501)
97,592
1,194,660
(234,401)
461,180
(5,544)
1,415,895
$
$
13.78
13.52
18.11
16.00
15.20
The total fair value of LTIP units and restricted stock that vested during 2015 and 2014 was $3.5 million and $3.0
million, respectively.
The LTIP unit and restricted stock award agreements will immediately vest when a grantee attains the (i) age of 60 and
(ii) the date on which grantee has first completed ten years of continuous service with our company or its affiliates. For award
agreements that qualify, we recognize noncash compensation expense on the grant date for the time-based awards and ratably
over the vesting period for the performance-based awards, and accordingly we recognized $0.5 million, $0.2 million and $2.3
million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the period October 7, 2013 through December 31, 2013,
respectively. Unrecognized compensation expense was $0.1 million at December 31, 2015, which will be recognized over a
weighted average period of 1.2 years.
For the remainder of the LTIP unit and restricted stock awards, we recognize noncash compensation expense ratably
over the vesting period, and accordingly, we recognized $5.0 million, $3.5 million and $0.7 million in noncash compensation
expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the period October 7, 2013 through December 31, 2013,
respectively. Unrecognized compensation expense was $10.3 million at December 31, 2015, which will be recognized over a
weighted average period of 2.3 years.
F-41
Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 and for the period October 7, 2013 through
December 31, 2013 is computed as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
Numerator - Basic:
Net income
Private perpetual preferred unit distributions
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
Earnings allocated to unvested shares
Net income attributable to common stockholders - basic
Numerator - Diluted:
Net income
Private perpetual preferred unit distributions
Earnings allocated to unvested shares and LTIP units
Net income attributable to common stockholders - diluted
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic
Operating partnership units
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock-based compensation plans
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted
Earnings per share - basic
Earnings per share - diluted
Year ended
December 31,
2015
Year ended
December 31,
2014
Period from
October 7, 2013
through
December 31,
2013
$
$
$
$
$
$
79,928
(936)
(45,262)
(24)
33,706
79,928
(936)
(550)
78,442
$
$
$
$
114,245
151,669
707
266,621
70,210
(476)
(43,067)
(33)
26,634
70,210
(476)
(482)
69,252
$
$
$
$
97,941
156,565
—
254,506
0.30
0.29
$
$
0.27
0.27
$
$
193,431
—
(118,186)
(84)
75,161
193,431
—
(804)
192,627
95,463
148,957
—
244,420
0.79
0.79
There were no antidilutive shares for the year ended December 31,1 2015 and 631,251 antidilutive shares for the year
ended December 31, 2014. There were 500,828 antidilutive shares for the period from October 7, 2013 through December 31,
2013.
F-42
12. Related Party Transactions
Formation Transactions
Each property, except for 1400 Broadway and 111 West 33rd Street (formerly known as 112 West 34th Street), that is
owned by us through our operating partnership was owned directly or indirectly by the entities comprising our predecessor or
was a property in which our predecessor had a non-controlling interest. Each of the existing entities had entered into a
contribution agreement with us and our operating partnership in connection with the formation transactions, pursuant to which
substantially concurrently with the completion of the Offering it contributed its assets (including its ownership interests in any
of the properties) and liabilities to our operating partnership or our operating partnership’s subsidiaries in exchange for shares
of our common stock, operating partnership units and/or cash, which it distributed to its equity owners in accordance with their
individual elections. Each of our predecessor’s management companies had entered into a merger agreement with us and our
operating partnership in connection with the formation transactions, pursuant to which certain subsidiaries of our operating
partnership merged with and into such management company or pursuant to which such management company merged with
and into subsidiaries of us in exchange for shares of our common stock and/or operating partnership units, which was issued to
the equity owners of such management company. In addition, each of (i) the Malkin Group (as defined below) and (ii) the
estate of Leona M. Helmsley and entities affiliated therewith, including the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust,
entered into contribution agreements and merger agreements with us and our operating partnership, pursuant to which each of
them contributed their direct or indirect interests in certain existing entities to us in exchange for operating partnership units,
shares of common stock and/or cash. The operating partnership units and shares of common stock that we issued in the
formation transactions to investors in the public existing entities were registered pursuant to a registration statement on Form
S-4 that we separately filed with the SEC. To the extent that we or our subsidiaries (other than our operating partnership and its
subsidiaries) were a party directly to certain mergers in the formation transactions, we contributed the assets and liabilities
received in such merger transactions to our operating partnership in exchange for operating partnership units. The value of the
shares of our common stock and operating partnership units that we issued, and the amount of cash that we paid, in connection
with the formation transactions aggregated $2.8 billion based on the actual public Offering price of our Class A common stock
in the Offering. The existing entities and our predecessor’s management companies declared final distributions, inclusive of
reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with the formation transactions, to the investors in such entities, including
members of our senior management team and certain of our directors, in an amount of approximately $180.0 million in the
aggregate, and of which $38.9 million was paid to the Malkin Group, including Peter L. Malkin and Anthony E. Malkin, in
accordance to their ownership interests in each applicable existing entity and predecessor management company.
Under the contribution and merger agreements, Anthony E. Malkin directly and/or indirectly received 210,289 shares
of our Class A common stock, 586,095 shares of our Class B common stock, and 28,718,631 operating partnership units,
representing, in aggregate, a 12.0% beneficial interest in our company on a fully diluted basis, and Peter L. Malkin directly and/
or indirectly received 2,772 shares of our Class A common stock, 100,084 shares of our Class B common stock, and 6,027,867
operating partnership units representing, in aggregate, a 2.5% beneficial interest in our company on a fully diluted basis. The
Malkin Group, which includes Anthony E. Malkin, Peter L. Malkin and their related parties and affiliates, directly and/or
indirectly received 396,025 shares of our Class A common stock, 747,435 shares of our Class B common stock, and 37,748,249
operating partnership units, representing, in aggregate, a 15.8% beneficial interest in our company on a fully diluted basis.
Other members of our senior management team received an aggregate of 1,167,336 operating partnership units, and 2,407
shares of our Class B common stock representing a 0.5% interest on a fully diluted basis.
We did not conduct arm’s-length negotiations with the parties involved regarding the terms of the formation
transactions. In the course of structuring the formation transactions, certain members of our senior management team and other
contributors had the ability to influence the type and level of benefits they received from us.
The term “Malkin Group” means all of the following, as a group: Anthony E. Malkin, Peter L. Malkin and each of
their spouses and lineal descendants (including spouses of such descendants), any estates of any of the foregoing, any trusts
now or hereafter established for the benefit of any of the foregoing, or any corporation, partnership, limited liability company
or other legal entity controlled by Anthony E. Malkin or any permitted successor in such entity for the benefit of any of the
foregoing; provided, however that solely with respect to tax protection rights and parties who entered into the contribution
agreements described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Malkin Group shall also include the lineal descendants of
Lawrence A. Wien and his spouse (including spouses of such descendants), any estates of the foregoing, any trusts now or
hereafter established for the benefit of any of the foregoing, or any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other
legal entity controlled by Anthony E. Malkin for the benefit of the foregoing.
F-43
Tax Protection Agreement
In connection with the completion of the Offering and the related formation transactions, we entered into a tax
protection agreement with Anthony E. Malkin and Peter L. Malkin that is intended to protect the Malkin Group and an
additional third party investor in Metro Center (who was one of the original landowners and was involved in the development
of the property) against certain of the tax consequences described above to a limited extent.
First, this agreement provides that our operating partnership will not sell, exchange, transfer or otherwise dispose of
four properties, which we refer to in this section as protected assets, or any interest in a protected asset until October 7, 2025,
with respect to First Stamford Place and the later of (x) October 7, 2021 or (y) the death of Peter L. Malkin and Isabel W.
Malkin who are 82 and 79 years old, respectively, for the three other protected assets, Metro Center, 10 Bank Street and 1542
Third Avenue, unless:
(1)
Anthony E. Malkin consents to the sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition; or
our operating partnership delivers to each protected party thereunder a cash payment intended to approximate the tax
(2)
liability arising from the recognition of the pre-contribution built-in gain resulting from the sale, exchange, transfer or other
disposition of such protected asset (with the pre-contribution “built-in gain” being not more than the taxable gain that would
have been recognized by such protected party had the protected asset been sold for fair market value in a taxable transaction at
the time of the consolidation) plus an additional amount so that, after the payment of all taxes on amounts received pursuant to
the agreement (including any tax liability incurred as a result of receiving such payment), the protected party retains an amount
equal to such protected party’s total tax liability incurred as a result of the recognition of the pre-contribution built-in gain
pursuant to such sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition; or
(3)
the disposition does not result in a recognition of any built-in gain by the protected party.
Second, with respect to the Malkin Group, including Anthony E. Malkin and Peter L. Malkin, and one additional third
party investor in Metro Center (who was one of the original landowners and was involved in the development of the property),
to protect against gain recognition resulting from a reduction in such continuing investor’s share of the operating liabilities, the
agreement provides that during the period from October 7, 2013 until such continuing investor owns less than the aggregate
number of operating partnership units and shares of common stock equal to 50% of the aggregate number of such units and
shares they received in the related formation transactions, which we refer to in this section as the tax protection period, our
operating partnership will (i) refrain from prepaying any amounts outstanding under any indebtedness secured by the protected
assets and (ii) use its commercially reasonable efforts to refinance such indebtedness at or prior to maturity at its current
principal amount, or, if our operating partnership is unable to refinance such indebtedness at its current principal amount, at the
highest principal amount possible. The agreement also provides that, during the tax protection period, our operating partnership
will make available to such continuing investors the opportunity (i) to enter into a “bottom dollar” guarantee of their allocable
share of $160.0 million of aggregate indebtedness of our operating partnership meeting certain requirements or (ii) in the event
our operating partnership has recourse debt outstanding and such a continuing investor agrees in lieu of guaranteeing debt
pursuant to clause (i) above, to enter into a deficit restoration obligation, in each case, in a manner intended to provide an
allocation of operating partnership liabilities to the continuing investor. In the event that a continuing investor guarantees debt
of our operating partnership, such continuing investor will be responsible, under certain circumstances, for the repayment of the
guaranteed amount to the lender in the event that the lender would otherwise recognize a loss on the loan, such as, for example,
if property securing the loan was foreclosed and the value was not sufficient to repay a certain amount of the debt. A deficit
restoration obligation is a continuing investor’s obligation, under certain circumstances, to contribute a designated amount of
capital to our operating partnership upon our operating partnership’s liquidation in the event that the assets of our operating
partnership are insufficient to repay our operating partnership liabilities.
Because we expect that our operating partnership will at all times have sufficient liabilities to allow it to meet its
obligations to allocate liabilities to its partners that are protected parties under the tax protection agreement, our operating
partnership’s indemnification obligation with respect to “certain tax liabilities” would generally arise only in the event that the
operating partnership disposes in a taxable transaction of a protected asset within the period specified above in a taxable
transaction. In the event of such a disposition, the amount of our operating partnership’s indemnification obligation would
depend on several factors, including the amount of “built-in gain,” if any, recognized and allocated to the indemnified partners
with respect to such disposition and the effective tax rate to be applied to such gain at the time of such disposition.
The operating partnership agreement requires that allocations with respect to such acquired property be made in a
manner consistent with Section 704(c) of the Code. Treasury Regulations issued under Section 704(c) of the Code provide
F-44
partnerships with a choice of several methods of allocating book-tax differences. Under the tax protection agreement, our
operating partnership has agreed to use the “traditional method” for accounting for book-tax differences for the properties
acquired by our operating partnership in the consolidation. Under the traditional method, which is the least favorable method
from our perspective, the carryover basis of the acquired properties in the hands of our operating partnership (i) may cause us
to be allocated lower amounts of depreciation and other deductions for tax purposes than would be allocated to us if all of the
acquired properties were to have a tax basis equal to their fair market value at the time of acquisition and (ii) in the event of a
sale of such properties, could cause us to be allocated gain in excess of its corresponding economic or book gain (or taxable
loss that is less than its economic or book loss), with a corresponding benefit to the partners transferring such properties to our
operating partnership for interests in our operating partnership.
Registration Rights
We entered into a registration rights agreement with certain persons receiving shares of our common stock or
operating partnership units in the formation transactions, including certain members of our senior management team and our
other continuing investors. In connection therewith, on October 7, 2014, which we refer to as the shelf effective date, we filed
an automatically effective shelf registration statement, along with a prospectus supplement, with respect to, among other things,
shares of our Class A common stock that may be issued upon redemption of operating partnership units or issued upon
conversion of shares of Class B common stock to continuing investors in the public existing entities. Pursuant to the
registration rights agreement, under certain circumstances, we will also be required to undertake an underwritten offering upon
the written request of the Malkin Group, which we refer to as the holder, provided (i) the registrable shares to be registered in
such offering will have a market value of at least $150.0 million, (ii) we will not be obligated to effect more than two
underwritten offerings during any 12-month period following the shelf effective date; and (iii) the holder will not have the
ability to effect more than four underwritten offerings. In addition, if we file a registration statement with respect to an
underwritten offering for our own account or on behalf of the holder, the holder will have the right, subject to certain
limitations, to register such number of registrable shares held by him, her or it as each such holder requests. With respect to
underwritten offerings on behalf of the holder, we will have the right to register such number of primary shares as we request;
provided, however, that if cut backs are required by the managing underwriters of such an offering, our primary shares shall be
cutback first (but in no event will our shares be cut back to less than $25.0 million).
We have also agreed to indemnify the persons receiving rights against specified liabilities, including certain potential
liabilities arising under the Securities Act, or to contribute to the payments such persons may be required to make in respect
thereof. We have agreed to pay all of the expenses relating to the registration and any underwritten offerings of such securities,
including, without limitation, all registration, listing, filing and stock exchange or FINRA fees, all fees and expenses of
complying with securities or “blue sky” laws, all printing expenses and all fees and disbursements of counsel and independent
public accountants retained by us, but excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, any out-of-pocket expenses (except
we will pay any holder’s out-of-pocket fees (including disbursements of such holder’s counsel, accountants and other advisors)
up to $25,000 in the aggregate for each underwritten offering and each filing of a resale shelf registration statement or demand
registration statement), and any transfer taxes. In connection with the shelf registration statement that we filed on October 7,
2014, we incurred expenses of approximately $0.5 million.
Employment Agreement and Change in Control Severance Agreements
We entered into an employment agreement with Anthony E. Malkin, which provides for salary, bonuses and other
benefits, including among other things, severance benefits upon a termination of employment under certain circumstances and
the issuance of equity awards. In addition, we entered into change in control severance agreements with Thomas P. Durels,
David A. Karp, Thomas N. Keltner, Jr. and John B. Kessler.
Indemnification of Our Directors and Officers
We entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors, executive officers, chairman emeritus and
certain other parties, providing for the indemnification by us for certain liabilities and expenses incurred as a result of actions
brought, or threatened to be brought, against (i) our directors, executive officers and chairman emeritus and (ii) our executive
officers, chairman emeritus and certain other parties who are former members, managers, securityholders, directors, limited
partners, general partners, officers or controlling persons of our predecessor in their capacities.
Option Properties
F-45
On July 15, 2014, we acquired the ground lease at 1400 Broadway (the “1400 Property”) and the ground and operating
leases at 111 West 33rd Street (formerly known as 112 West 34th Street) (including fee title interest in a small connected
structure at 122 West 34th Street) (the “112 Property”), both office properties in midtown Manhattan (together, the “option
properties”), from affiliates of our predecessor, pursuant to option agreements we had executed in connection with the Offering.
Our subsidiary supervised each of the option properties pursuant to a management agreement entered into by our subsidiary
and the owners of the option properties.
The 112 Property was acquired for approximately $423.6 million, consisting of assumption of existing mortgage debt,
cash and shares of our Class A and Class B common stock and our operating partnership’s Series PR operating partnership
units. In connection with the acquisition of the 112 Property, Anthony E. Malkin directly and/or indirectly received
approximately $39.4 million, Peter L. Malkin directly and/or indirectly received approximately $2.7 million, and the Malkin
Group, which includes Anthony E. Malkin, Peter L. Malkin and their related parties and affiliates, directly and/or indirectly
received approximately $44.9 million, in each case consisting of a combination of shares of our Class B common stock and
Series PR operating partnership units, and the estate of Leona M. Helmsley (a member of affiliates of our predecessor and of
the owners of the option properties) directly and/or indirectly received approximately $92.4 million in cash. The 1400 Property
was acquired for approximately $310.0 million, consisting of assumption of existing mortgage debt, cash and shares of our
Class A and Class B common stock and our operating partnership’s Series PR operating partnership units. In connection with
the acquisition of the 1400 Property, Anthony E. Malkin directly and/or indirectly received approximately $23.3 million, and
the Malkin Group, which includes Anthony E. Malkin, Peter L. Malkin and their related parties and affiliates, directly and/or
indirectly received approximately $23.5 million, in each case consisting of a combination of shares of our Class B common
stock and Series PR operating partnership units, and the estate of Leona Helmsley directly and/or indirectly received
approximately $56.6 million in cash. The purchase price for each of the option properties was based on an appraisal by
independent third parties utilizing the appraisal process set forth in the option agreements. As part of the option agreements,
we agreed that Anthony E. Malkin, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, would not participate in the negotiations and
valuation process on our behalf. Our Chairman Emeritus, Peter L. Malkin, also agreed not to participate in the process. In
addition our Board of Directors appointed a special committee consisting of independent members of such Board to review the
appraisal process on its behalf. The independent members of our Board of Directors unanimously approved the price and terms
of the acquisition of interests in each of the option properties. The purchase price was payable in a combination of cash, shares
of our common stock and operating partnership units, but the estate of Leona M. Helmsley (a member of affiliates of our
predecessor and of the owners of option properties) received all cash. Reference is made to Note 3.
In connection with the closing of the transaction, we entered into a registration rights agreement covering the resale of
all shares of our Class A common stock issued in connection with the transactions, and all shares of our Class A common stock
that may be issued upon redemption of Series PR operating partnership units or upon conversion of our Class B common stock
issued in connection with the transactions. To satisfy our obligation under the registration rights agreement, we registered the
issuance of the shares of Class A common stock that may be issued upon redemption of Series PR operating partnership units or
upon conversion of Class B common stock as part of the automatically effective shelf registration statement that we filed on
October 7, 2014. Additionally, the shares of Class A common stock issued to the Malkin family in connection with the
transactions are subject to the demand and piggy-back rights that the Malkin family has under the registration rights agreement
we entered into in connection with the consolidation and initial public offering of our Class A common stock. See “-
Registration Rights” above.
Excluded Properties and Businesses
Our portfolio is partially comprised of all of our predecessor’s Manhattan and greater New York metropolitan area
office and retail assets in which it held a controlling interest and other metropolitan area office properties in which it had a non-
controlling interest. The Malkin Group, including Anthony E. Malkin, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, owns non-
controlling interests in, and Anthony E. Malkin and Peter L. Malkin control the general partners or managers of, the entities
that own interests in seven multi-family properties, six net leased retail properties, (including one single tenant retail property
in Greenwich, Connecticut), and a parcel that is being developed for residential use. The Malkin Group also owns non-
controlling interests in one Manhattan office property, two Manhattan retail properties and several retail properties outside of
Manhattan, none of which were contributed to us in the formation transactions. We refer to the non-controlling interests
described above collectively as the excluded properties. In addition, the Malkin Group owns interests in two mezzanine and
senior equity funds, three industrial funds, and five residential property managers, none of which were contributed to us in the
formation transactions, and which we refer to collectively as the excluded businesses. The Malkin Group owns certain non-real
estate family investments that were not contributed to us in the formation transactions. Other than the Greenwich retail
property, we do not believe that the excluded properties or the excluded businesses are consistent with our portfolio geographic
or property type composition, management or strategic direction.
F-46
Pursuant to management and/or service agreements with the owners of interests in those excluded properties and
services agreements with the five residential property managers and the managers of certain other excluded businesses which
historically were managed by affiliates of our predecessor, we are designated as the manager of the excluded properties and will
provide services to the owners of certain of the excluded properties and the five residential property managers and provide
services and access to office space to the existing managers of the other excluded businesses. As the manager or service
provider, we are paid a management or other fee with respect to those excluded properties and excluded businesses where our
predecessor had previously received a management fee on the same terms as the fee paid to our predecessor, and reimbursed for
our costs in providing the management and other services to those excluded properties and businesses where our
predecessor had not previously received a management fee. Our management of the excluded properties and provision of
services to the five residential property managers and the existing managers of the other excluded businesses represent a
minimal portion of our overall business. There is no established time period in which we will manage such properties or
provide services to the owners of certain of the excluded properties and the five residential property managers and provide
services and access to office space to the existing managers of the other excluded businesses and Peter L. Malkin and Anthony
E. Malkin expect to sell certain of these properties or unwind certain of these businesses over time. We are not precluded from
acquiring all or certain interests in the excluded properties or businesses. If we were to attempt any such acquisition, we
anticipate that Anthony E. Malkin, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will not participate in the negotiation process on
our behalf with respect to our potential acquisition of any of these excluded properties or businesses and the approval of a
majority of our independent directors will be required to approve any such acquisition.
Reimbursement of Pre-Closing Transaction Costs
As part of the contribution and option agreements, $103.8 million of expenses incurred in connection with the
formation transactions and the Offering were reimbursed from the proceeds of the Offering. The existing entities and our
predecessor's management companies declared final distributions, inclusive of reimbursement of these expenses, to the
investors in such entities, including members of our senior management team and certain of our directors, in an amount of
approximately $180.0 million in the aggregate, and of which $38.9 million was paid to the Malkin Group, including Peter L.
Malkin and Anthony E. Malkin, in accordance to their ownership interests in each applicable existing entity and predecessor
management company.
Guarantees
The mortgage loan on First Stamford Place is guaranteed and/or indemnified by Peter L. Malkin and Anthony E.
Malkin. Our operating partnership entered into an indemnification agreement with Peter L. Malkin and Anthony E. Malkin
pursuant to which our operating partnership is obligated to indemnify Peter L. Malkin and Anthony E. Malkin for any amounts
paid by them under the guarantees and/or indemnities with respect to the First Stamford Place mortgage loan.
Other Services
Services are and were provided by us or our predecessor to affiliates of the sponsors. These affiliates were related
parties because beneficial interests were or are held, directly or indirectly, by the sponsors, their affiliates and their family
members.
During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we or our predecessor engaged in various transactions
with affiliates. These transactions are reflected in our and our predecessor's consolidated statements of operations as third-party
management and other fees and the unpaid balances are reflected in the due from affiliated companies on our consolidated
balance sheets (See Note 7).
Supervisory Fee Revenue
We or our predecessor earned supervisory fees from affiliated entities not included in our and our predecessor's
consolidated financial statements of $1.8 million, $2.0 million and $2.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2015,
2014 and 2013, respectively. These fees are included within third-party management and other fees.
We or our predecessor earned supervisory fees from unconsolidated entities included in our predecessor's consolidated
financial statements on the equity method of $0.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2013. There were no such
revenues in the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. These fees are included within third-party management and other
fees.
F-47
Property Management Fee Revenue
We or our predecessor earned property management fees from affiliated entities not included in our and our
predecessor's consolidated financial statements of $0.3 million, $0.4 million and $1.6 million during the years ended
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 respectively. These fees are included within third-party management and other fees.
We or our predecessor earned property management fees from unconsolidated entities included in our predecessor's
consolidated financial statements on the equity method of $0.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2013. There were
no such revenues in the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. These fees are included within third-party management and
other fees.
Profit Share
We or our predecessor received additional payments equal to a specified percentage of distributions in excess of
specified amounts, both being defined, from affiliated entities not included in our and our predecessor's consolidated financial
statements. Our profits interest totaled $3.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2013. There were no such revenues in
the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. These fees are included within other income and fees.
We or our predecessor received additional payments equal to a specified percentage of distributions in excess of
specified amounts, both being defined, from unconsolidated entities included in our predecessor's consolidated financial
statements on the equity method. Our predecessor's profits interest totaled $0.4 million during the year ended December 31,
2013. There were no such revenues in the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. These fees are included within other
income and fees.
Other Fees and Disbursements from Non-Controlled Affiliates
We or our predecessor earned other fees and disbursements from affiliated entities not included in our and our
predecessor's consolidated financial statements of $0.02 million during the year ended December 31, 2013. There were no such
revenues in the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. These fees are included within other income and fees.
Our predecessor earned other fees and disbursements from unconsolidated subsidiaries included in its consolidated
financial statements on the equity method of $1.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2013. There were no such
revenues in the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. These fees are included within other income and fees.
Included in these other fees are reimbursements from unconsolidated entities included in our predecessor's
consolidated financial statements on the equity method for offering costs related to the Offering of $1.1 million during the year
ended December 31, 2013. There were no such revenues in the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.
Other
We are reimbursed at allocable cost for 647 square feet of shared office space, equipment, and administrative support,
as was done prior to our formation, and we receive rent generally at market rental rate for 3,074 square feet of leased space,
from entities affiliated with Anthony E. Malkin at one of our properties aggregating $0.2 million, $0.1 million and $1.1 million,
for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In each case the space is expected to be temporary, and
such affiliate has the right to cancel such lease without special payment on 90 days’ notice.
13. Income Taxes
TRS Holdings and Observatory TRS are taxable entities and their consolidated provision for income taxes consisted of
the following for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the period October 7, 2013 through December 31, 2013
(amounts in thousands):
F-48
Current:
Federal
State and local
Total current
Deferred:
Federal
State and local
Total deferred
Income tax (expense) benefit
For the Year Ended December 31,
2015
2014
Period from October 7,
2013 through
December 31, 2013
$
$
$
(2,714)
(1,502)
(4,216)
169
98
267
(3,949)
$
$
(3,253)
(1,792)
(5,045)
247
143
390
(4,655)
$
844
281
1,125
—
—
—
1,125
The effective income tax rate is 44.7%, 44.3% and 45.3% for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the period
from October 7, 2013 through December 31, 2013, respectively. The actual tax provision differed from that computed at the
federal statutory corporate rate as follows (amounts in thousands):
For the Year Ended December 31,
2015
2014
Period from October 7,
2013 through
December 31, 2013
Federal tax (expense) benefit at 34% statutory rate
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
Income tax (expense) benefit
$
$
(3,003) $
(946)
(3,949) $
(3,576)
(1,079)
(4,655)
$
$
The income tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets are presented below as of
December 31, (amounts in thousands):
2015
2014
2013
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred revenue on unredeemed observatory
admission ticket sales
Loss carryforwards
Total deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities:
Total deferred tax liabilities
Total
$
$
267
$
390
$
—
267
—
—
390
—
267
$
390
$
844
281
1,125
—
1,125
1,125
—
1,125
Deferred tax assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, are attributable to the inclusion of deferred revenue
on Observatory admission ticket sales not redeemed at year-end in determining income for tax reporting purposes. No
valuation allowance has been recorded against the deferred tax asset because the Company believes that the deferred tax asset
will, more likely than not, be realized. This determination is based on the Observatory TRS’s anticipated future taxable income
and the reversal of the deferred tax asset.
Deferred tax asset at December 31, 2013 is attributable to the Observatory TRS’s loss during the period from October
7, 2013 through December 31, 2013 as a result of increased percentage rent. Percentage rent is based on gross receipts and the
highest percentage is reached in the fourth quarter. The loss was fully absorbed by the Observatory TRS’s profit in 2014. At
December 31, 2015 and 2014, the TRS entities have no amount of unrecognized tax benefits.
For tax years 2015, 2014 and 2013, the United States federal and state tax returns are open for examination.
14. Segment Reporting
We have identified two reportable segments: (1) Real Estate and (2) Observatory. Our real estate segment includes all
activities related to the ownership, management, operation, acquisition, repositioning and disposition of our real estate assets.
F-49
Our observatory segment operates the 86th and 102nd floor observatories at the Empire State Building. These two lines of
businesses are managed separately because each business requires different support infrastructures, provides different services
and has dissimilar economic characteristics such as investments needed, stream of revenues and different marketing strategies.
We account for intersegment sales and transfers as if the sales or transfers were to third parties, that is, at current market prices.
We include our historical construction operation in "Other," and it includes all activities related to providing construction
services to tenants and to other entities within and outside our company. As of March 27, 2015, we no longer solicited new
business for our construction management business. We completed all projects that were in progress.
The following tables provide components of segment profit for each segment for the years ended December 31, 2015,
2014 and 2013, as reviewed by management (amounts in thousands):
Revenues:
Rental revenue
Intercompany rental revenue
Tenant expense reimbursement
Observatory revenue
Construction revenue
Third-party management and other fees
Other revenue and fees
Total revenues
Operating expenses:
Property operating expenses
Intercompany rent expense
Ground rent expense
Marketing, general, and administrative
expenses
Observatory expenses
Construction expenses
Real estate taxes
Acquisition expenses
Depreciation and amortization
Total operating expenses
Total operating income (loss)
Interest expense
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income tax (expense) benefit
Net income (loss)
Segment assets
Expenditures for segment assets
Real Estate
Observatory
Other
Intersegment
Elimination
Total
2015
$
447,784
$
— $
— $
— $
447,784
—
—
112,172
—
—
—
—
—
—
5,696
—
—
(68,255)
—
—
(3,715)
—
—
112,172
5,696
(71,970)
—
79,516
112,172
1,981
2,133
14,048
657,634
—
68,255
—
—
29,843
—
—
—
338
98,436
13,736
—
13,736
(2,791)
10,945
241,511
211
—
—
—
—
—
6,539
—
—
101
6,640
(944)
—
(944)
340
$
$
$
(604) $
889
$
— $
—
160,969
(68,255)
—
—
—
(3,317)
—
—
—
(71,572)
(398)
—
(398)
—
(398) $
—
9,326
38,073
29,843
3,222
93,165
193
171,474
506,265
151,369
(67,492)
83,877
(3,949)
79,928
— $
3,300,650
— $
156,754
68,255
79,516
—
—
2,133
14,048
611,736
160,969
—
9,326
38,073
—
—
93,165
193
171,035
472,761
138,975
(67,492)
71,483
(1,498)
69,985
3,058,250
156,543
$
$
$
$
$
$
F-50
Revenues:
Rental revenue
Intercompany rental revenue
Tenant expense reimbursement
Observatory revenue
Construction revenue
Third-party management and other fees
Other revenue and fees
Total revenues
Operating expenses:
Property operating expenses
Intercompany rent expense
Ground rent expense
Marketing, general, and administrative
expenses
Observatory expenses
Construction expenses
Real estate taxes
Acquisition expenses
Depreciation and amortization
Total operating expenses
Total operating income (loss)
Interest expense
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income tax expense
Net income (loss)
Segment assets
Expenditures for segment assets
Real Estate
Observatory
Other
Intersegment
Elimination
Total
2014
$
400,825
$
— $
— $
— $
400,825
—
—
111,541
—
—
982
—
—
—
(69,293)
—
—
44,989
(6,341)
—
23
—
—
—
67,651
111,541
38,648
2,376
14,285
112,523
45,012
(75,634)
635,326
—
151,048
—
69,293
—
—
29,041
—
—
—
295
98,629
13,894
—
13,894
(2,876)
11,018
252,376
99
$
$
$
—
—
—
—
—
(69,293)
—
—
—
44,185
(5,589)
—
—
15
—
—
—
44,200
(74,882)
812
—
812
(342)
470
8,032
$
$
— $
(752)
—
(752)
—
(752) $
— $
3,283,497
— $
497,744
—
5,339
39,037
29,041
38,596
82,131
3,382
145,431
494,005
141,321
(66,456)
74,865
(4,655)
70,210
69,293
67,651
—
—
2,376
13,280
553,425
151,048
—
5,339
39,037
—
—
82,131
3,382
145,121
426,058
127,367
(66,456)
60,911
(1,437)
59,474
3,023,089
497,645
$
$
$
$
$
$
F-51
Revenues:
Rental revenue
Intercompany rental revenue
Tenant expense reimbursement
Observatory revenue
Construction revenue
Third-party management and other fees
Other revenue and fees
Total revenues
Operating expenses:
Property operating expenses
Intercompany rent expense
Ground rent expense
Marketing, general, and administrative
expenses
Observatory expenses
Construction expenses
Real estate taxes
Acquisition expenses
Depreciation and amortization
Total operating expenses
Total operating income (loss)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense
Gain on consolidation of non-controlled
entities
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income tax benefit
Net income (loss)
Segment assets
Expenditures for segment assets
Period from October 7, 2013 through December 31, 2013
Real Estate
Observatory
Other
Intersegment
Elimination
Total
$
79,987
$
— $
— $
— $
79,987
20,134
15,836
—
—
550
2,211
—
—
23,735
—
—
—
—
—
—
6,801
—
—
(20,134)
—
—
(1,536)
—
(1)
—
15,836
23,735
5,265
550
2,210
118,718
23,735
6,801
(21,671)
127,583
—
20,134
—
—
5,687
—
—
—
4
25,825
(2,090)
—
—
(2,090)
1,125
(965) $
—
—
—
—
—
—
(20,134)
—
4
—
6,792
(1,324)
—
—
5
—
—
(10)
6,797
(21,464)
34,055
—
398
16,379
5,687
5,468
17,191
138,140
27,375
244,693
4
—
—
4
—
4
(207)
(117,110)
—
—
(207)
—
(13,147)
322,563
192,306
1,125
$
$
(207) $
193,431
— $
2,459,862
249,084
$
8,834
— $
— $
— $
56,434
34,055
—
398
16,375
—
—
17,191
138,140
27,376
233,535
(114,817)
(13,147)
322,563
194,599
—
$
$
$
194,599
2,201,944
56,434
$
$
$
F-52
Revenues:
Rental revenue
Intercompany rental revenue
Tenant expense reimbursement
Construction revenue
Third-party management and other fees
Other revenue and fees
Total revenues
Operating expenses:
Property operating expenses
Marketing, general, and administrative expenses
Construction expenses
Real estate taxes
Formation transaction expenses
Depreciation and amortization
Total operating expenses
Total operating income (loss)
Other income (expense):
Equity in net income of non-controlled entities
Interest expense
Settlement expense
Net loss
Segment assets
Investment in non-controlled entities
Expenditures for segment assets
Period from January 1, 2013 through October 6, 2013
Real Estate
Other
Intersegment
Elimination
Total
$
148,690
$
— $
— $
148,690
56
21,272
—
5,067
12,407
187,492
41,297
23,600
—
24,331
4,507
38,963
132,698
54,794
14,875
(50,660)
(55,000)
—
—
(56)
—
25,473
(6,837)
—
—
—
—
21,272
18,636
5,067
12,407
25,473
(6,893)
206,072
—
—
—
—
25,824
(6,003)
—
—
19
25,843
(370)
—
—
—
—
—
(19)
(6,022)
(871)
—
—
—
41,297
23,600
19,821
24,331
4,507
38,963
152,519
53,553
14,875
(50,660)
(55,000)
(37,232)
$
$
$
$
(35,991) $
(370) $
(871) $
1,023,333
88,304
55,820
$
$
$
10,585
$
— $
1,033,918
— $
130
$
— $
— $
88,304
55,950
15. Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)
The quarterly results of operations of our company for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows
(amounts in thousands):
F-53
Revenues
Operating income
Net income
Net income attributable to common stockholders
Net income per share attributable to common stockholders:
Basic and diluted
Revenues
Operating income
Net income
Net income attributable to common stockholders
Net income per share attributable to common stockholders:
Basic and diluted
16. Subsequent Events
March 31,
2015
151,882
23,757
7,888
3,138
0.03
March 31,
2014
140,306
24,088
11,231
4,369
0.05
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
June 30,
2015
164,773
45,039
26,585
11,120
0.10
June 30,
2014
155,168
42,539
25,281
9,834
0.10
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
September 30,
2015
$
$
$
$
$
175,779
45,343
26,085
11,220
0.10
September 30,
2014
$
$
$
$
$
169,441
43,412
22,734
8,322
0.09
December 31,
2015
165,200
$
$
$
$
$
37,230
19,370
8,252
0.07
December 31,
2014
170,411
$
$
$
$
$
31,282
10,964
4,142
0.04
On February 19, 2016, our Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.085 per share for the first quarter 2016,
payable to holders of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock and to holders of Empire State Realty OP, L.P.'s
Series ES, Series 250 and Series 60 OP Units (NYSE Arca: ESBA, FISK and OGCP, respectively) and Series PR OP Units.
The dividend will be payable in cash on March 31, 2016 to securityholders of record at the close of business on March 16,
2016.
F-54
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. Predecessor
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(amounts in thousands)
Description
Year ended December 31, 2015
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Year ended December 31, 2014
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Year ended December 31, 2013
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Balance At
Beginning
of Year
Additions
Charged
Against
Operations
Uncollectible
Accounts
Written-Off
Balance
at End of
Year
$
$
$
1,847
715
923
$
$
$
1,298
2,006
$
$
(108) $
3,037
(874) $
1,847
(448) $
240
$
715
F-55
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. Predecessor
Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
(amounts in thousands)
Initial Cost to
the Company
Cost Capitalized
Subsequent to
Acquisition
Gross Amount at
which Carried
at 12/31/15
Encumbr
ances
Land
Building
&
Improvem
ents
Improveme
nts
Carry
ing
Costs
Land
Buildings
&
Improvem
ents
Total
Accumulated
Depreciation
Date of
Construc
tion
Date
Acquired
Life on
which
depreciation
in latest
income
statement is
computed
$
91,330
$ 13,630
$ 244,461
$
8,458
n/a
$ 13,630
$
252,919
$
266,549
$
(13,201)
1954
2014
various
82,335
—
96,338
13,654
—
—
109,992
109,992
(11,089)
1930
2014
various
72,279
91,435
120,190
4,194
n/a
91,435
124,384
215,819
(9,590)
1915
2013
various
40,249
—
102,518
13,921
n/a
—
116,439
116,439
(9,166)
1929
2013
various
—
—
—
—
—
2,117
5,041
78,271
n/a
2,117
83,312
85,429
(24,183)
1921
1953
various
1,100
2,600
88,954
n/a
1,100
91,554
92,654
(33,046)
1923
1950
various
1,233
1,809
48,882
n/a
1,233
50,691
51,924
(18,602)
1924
1953
various
21,551
38,934
612,896
n/a
21,551
651,830
673,381
(106,166)
1930
2013
various
7,240
17,490
181,597
n/a
7,222
199,105
206,327
(76,822)
1930
1954
various
Type
office
/
retail
office
/
retail
office
/
retail
office
/
retail
office/
retail
office/
retail
office/
retail
office/
retail
office/
retail
office
237,695
22,952
122,739
43,691
n/a
24,862
164,520
189,382
(64,896)
1986
2001
various
office
97,494
5,313
28,602
11,271
n/a
5,313
39,873
45,186
(25,724)
1987
1984
various
office
29,135
2,262
12,820
12,811
n/a
2,262
25,631
27,893
(9,963)
1985
1994
various
office
—
4,571
25,915
16,239
n/a
4,571
42,154
46,725
(18,290)
1987
1999
various
office
32,053
5,612
31,803
12,914
n/a
5,612
44,717
50,329
(17,258)
1989
1999
various
retail
20,145
5,003
12,866
1,535
n/a
5,003
14,401
19,404
(6,555)
1987
1996
various
retail
18,106
2,239
15,266
389
n/a
2,239
15,655
17,894
(6,503)
1991
1999
various
retail
26,840
4,462
15,817
774
n/a
4,462
16,591
21,053
(7,315)
1962
1998
various
retail
retail
—
—
2,782
15,766
918
n/a
2,782
16,684
19,466
(5,513)
1922
2003
various
1,243
7,043
158
n/a
1,260
7,184
8,444
(1,702)
1900
2006
various
land
—
4,542
—
7,498
—
12,040
12,040
—
n/a
n/a
n/a
$ 747,661
$ 199,287
$ 918,018
$ 1,159,025
$ — $ 208,694
$ 2,067,636
$ 2,276,330
$
(465,584)
Development
112 West 34th
Street, New
York, NY
1400
Broadway,
New York, NY
1333
Broadway,
New York, NY
1350
Broadway,
New York, NY
250 West 57th
Street, New
York, NY
501 Seventh
Avenue, New
York, NY
1359
Broadway,
New York, NY
350 Fifth
Avenue
(Empire State
Building),
New York, NY
One Grand
Central Place,
New York, NY
First Stamford
Place,
Stamford, CT
One Station
Place,
Stamford, CT
(Metro Center)
383 Main
Avenue,
Norwalk, CT
500
Mamaroneck
Avenue,
Harrison, NY
10 Bank
Street, White
Plains, NY
10 Union
Square, New
York, NY
1542 Third
Avenue, New
York, NY
1010 Third
Avenue, New
York, NY and
77 West 55th
Street, New
York, NY
69-97 Main
Street,
Westport, CT
103-107 Main
Street,
Westport, CT
Property for
development at
the
Transportation
Hub in
Stamford CT
Totals
``
F-56
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. Predecessor
Notes to Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
(amounts in thousands)
1. Reconciliation of Investment Properties
The changes in our investment properties for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
Balance, beginning of year
Acquisition of new properties
Improvements
Distribution of real property to owners prior to the formation transactions
Disposals
Balance, end of year
2015
2,139,863
$
2014
1,649,423
$
—
156,754
—
(20,287)
2,276,330
354,429
143,315
—
(7,304)
2,139,863
$
$
2013
939,330
607,779
130,346
(16,345)
(11,687)
1,649,423
$
$
The unaudited aggregate cost of investment properties for federal income tax purposes as of December 31, 2015 was
$1,964,637.
2. Reconciliation of Accumulated Depreciation
The changes in our accumulated depreciation for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
Balance, beginning of year
Depreciation expense
Disposals
Balance, end of year
2015
377,552
108,319
(20,287)
465,584
$
$
2014
295,351
89,505
(7,304)
377,552
$
$
2013
257,091
49,947
(11,687)
295,351
$
$
Depreciation of investment properties reflected in the combined statements of operations is calculated over the
estimated original lives of the assets as follows:
Buildings
Building improvements
Tenant improvements
39 years
39 years or useful life
Term of related lease
F-57
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Corporate Information
One Grand Central Place, 60 East 42nd Street, New York, New York 10165
CORPORATE OFFICES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Anthony E. Malkin
Chairman
William H. Berkman
Director
Alice M. Connell 1, 3
Director
Chair, Finance Committee
Thomas J. DeRosa 1
Director
Steven J. Gilbert 2, 3, 4
Lead Director
S. Michael Giliberto 1,3
Director
Chair, Audit Committee
James D. Robinson IV 2, 4
Director
Chair, Compensation Committee
Chair, Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT
Anthony E. Malkin
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
John B. Kessler
President and Chief Operating Officer
Thomas P. Durels
Executive Vice President,
Director of Leasing and Operations
David A. Karp
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Thomas N. Keltner, Jr.
Executive Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary
COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS:
1 Audit Committee
2 Compensation Committee
3 Finance Committee
4 Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
STOCKHOLDER ACCOUNT
ASSISTANCE
Registered stockholder records are
maintained by our Transfer Agent:
American Stock Transfer
and Trust Company, LLC
6201 15th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11219
Shareholder Service Number:
(800) 937-5449
www.amstock.com
FORM 10-K
Our Form 10-K is incorporated
herein and has been filed with
the Securities and Exchange
Commission. To request a copy
of our Form 10-K, free of charge,
from the Company, please contact
Investor Relations.
INVESTOR RELATIONS
Company information is available upon
request without charge. Please contact
the Investor Relations Department at
(212) 850-2678 or by email at
ir@empirestaterealtytrust.com
ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS
MEETING
The Roosevelt Hotel
45 East 45th Street, Second Floor
New York, New York 10017
May 31, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. EST
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Ernst & Young LLP
5 Times Square
New York, New York 10036
STOCK EXCHANGE
The New York Stock Exchange – NYSE
Ticker Symbol – ESRT
1 LinkedIn conference room at the Empire State Building 2 Pantry at One Grand Central Place 3 STATE Grill and Bar at the Empire State Building 4 Artist’s Rendering of pantry at 1400 Broadway
5 Artist’s Rendering of pantry and open work area at 1350 Broadway 6 Conference room on the 35th Floor at 1400 Broadway 7 Coty staircase at the Empire State Building
8 Elizabeth Arden offices at First Stamford Place 9 Empire State Building Photo Contest 2015 winning shot 10 Artist's Rendering of Madison Avenue Wing terrace at One Grand Central Place
11 The Fitness Center entrance at the Empire State Building 12 Pantry on the 35th Floor at 1400 Broadway 13 Artist's Rendering of new entrance at 111 West 33rd Street Back cover - Empire State Building
PHOTO CREDITS:
e m p i r e s t a t e r e a l t y t r u s t . c o m